A Look At Charlotte FC After the Transfer Window
The MLS Transfer Window has been slammed shut and that can mean only one thing. There will be new faces at The Fortress and some old faces who look to continue their soccer journey somewhere else. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
The transfer news kicked off on August 5th, when it was announced that Harry Toffolo would be joining Charlotte FC until 2029. Toffolo comes from Nottingham Forest and has experience in the EPL. I really like this move because Charlotte locks down a player for the foreseeable future who can (hopefully) be the answer at left back for the next few seasons.
When Patrick Agyemang was sold to Derby County for around $8 million it became clear that The Crown needed a striker. Idan Toklomati has had a good year so far with 13 starts and scoring seven times and setting up teammates four times. However, one man can’t do it all every day so on August 13th, Charlotte FC announced Archie Goodwin would be bringing his talents to the Queen City. Goodwin put on a masterclass in the Australian league last season, when he found the net 13 times in 26 games. I really like this signing, Charlotte not only gets more coverage up front, but they also get a player who proved that he can score in another countries top league.
Up next is a player who has experience in the MLS and with the USMNT. On August 19th, the club announced that goalkeeper Drake Callender would be joining Charlotte FC after a move from Inter Miami for the price of $750,000 in GAM funds. It’s no secret that Kristijan Kahlina is the number one but having a backup who earned seven clean sheets in 2023 is always a positive. Drake is 27 years old and I think he will get the chance to start in some matches and whether it’s Kahlina or Callender in net I don’t think the team will miss a beat.
And now, let's take a look at the players that will be saying goodbye to Charlotte.
Up first is defender Adilson Malanda. Adilson has found a new home in the EFL Championship after Middlesbrough and Charlotte FC agreed to a deal that was announced on August 20th. Part of the deal includes the stipulation that Adilson will finish out the MLS season with Charlotte before flying across the pond to join his new teammates and continue his soccer journey. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t sad to see Malanda go but having him finish out the season is a huge plus as Charlotte continues to fight for a playoff spot. We all know it can be hard to keep young players when Europe comes calling but not having to replace him until after the season makes everything a little easier. Best of luck Adilson and let’s finish the season strong.
A day before the Malanda news was announced, the club announced that two players would be departing the club.
Goalkeeper George Marks was waived by the club. George was a third round pick by Charlotte and over his tenure in the Queen City, he featured ten times for Charlotte FC and nine times for Crown Legacy. I think this move was in response to Callender coming in. The team spent big for a player at George’s position and it would probably be difficult for Marks to find game time behind Kahlina and Callender. I wish nothing but the best for George and hope he finds a club soon.
Defender Souleyman Doumbia has had his loan bought out early by Charlotte FC. Over his time in Charlotte, Souleyman picked up two assists in eleven matches. However, injuries were not kind to him as he had three separate stints on the injury list and hasn’t seen the pitch since July 26th. I think this is a good move. It allows for the club to open a spot for Harry Toffolo and allows for the player to get back to full health and gain valuable playing time. With Toffolo coming in and Nathan Byrne back healthy, I think it would have been tough for Doumbia to get minutes. I wish all the best to Souleyman as he continues his career.
The final move the club made was on August 22nd when it was announced that defender Jahlane Forbes will finish the season out on loan with NCFC in the USL Championship. Overall, I think this is a move to guarantee a young player minutes instead of stunting his development on the bench. I wish Jahlane the best and hope to see him in the starting xi for Charlotte in the future.
To close, I want to say welcome to the new guys and I wish nothing but the best to the players who are continuing their careers elsewhere. Thank you for reading and remember to stay locked in with the Southeast Soccer Report for your Charlotte FC coverage.