Charlotte Independence Signs Free Agent Pedro Fonseca
The 28 year old was a standout with South Georgia Tormenta
Charlotte Independence announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder and winger Pedro Fonseca today. The announcement came just hours after the transfer of Luis Álvarez to the Tampa Bay Rowdies for a record fee.
Fonseca last appeared with South Georgia Tormenta in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but found himself a free agent well into the 2025 season. This despite his strong performance, making 61 appearances for Tormenta with 14 goals. His seven in 2024 were second on the team, and earned him USL League One All-League Second Team honors.
According to a post by his agency, RMG, part of the delay in finding a home was due to the finalization of his green card which was recently granted. They also stated that the deal with Charlotte is for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Fonseca previously was a 53rd overall draft pick by Real Salt Lake in 2023, and played for their MLS NextPro side Real Monarchs in 2022 before joining Tormenta FC.
Charlotte’s press release indicated that Fonseca would be available for selection against his former team when they meet in Statesboro tomorrow.
Where Fonseca Fits With Charlotte
With Álvarez transferred to Tampa Bay, and Alfredo Midence recalled to Lexington SC, Charlotte has two big offensive holes to fill. The pair were responsible for seven assists in regular season and Jägermeister Cup play from their spots on the left and right midfield and wings, as well as central attacking midfield.
Fonseca is a utility midfielder who played in all of these positions with Tormenta, as well as striker. In 2023 he had a particularly strong season, providing six goals and seven assists, while in 2024 he was more of a secondary goal-scorer for the squad.
In any case, Fonseca will fit in where needed, although the team officially announced him as a winger. He’ll compete for minutes and provide a veteran presence with and alongside Rafael Jauregui and Juan David Moreno, as well as provide secondary scoring support for Christian Chaney and Souaibou Marou.