Charlotte FC Squad 2025: Roster, Transfers & Season Preview

Charlotte FC enters the 2025 Major League Soccer season with a refreshed Charlotte FC Squad 2025, blending international stars, rising prospects, and key veterans. After a successful 2024 campaign (finishing 5th in the Eastern Conference), The Crown fans are eager to see how new signings and returning players will perform. The 2025 roster features designated players like Wilfried Zaha, US internationals such as Eryk Williamson, and talented youngsters like Nik Petković. Head coach Dean Smith will balance offense and defense to push Charlotte FC up the MLS standings. Home matches at the iconic Bank of America Stadium (capacity 75,000) promise a full White and Teal crown atmosphere as The Crown aims to dominate the Eastern Conference.

Figure: Charlotte FC Squad 2025 players (Charlotte FC players in action)

Charlotte’s 2025 squad is built for both attack and stability. In goal, veteran Kristijan Kahlina (captain) leads alongside new keeper David Bingham. The backline mixes experienced pros (Tim Ream, Nathan Byrne) with rising talents (Adilson Malanda, Andrew Privett, Djibril Diani). Midfielders include English captain Ashley Westwood and Spanish playmaker Pep Biel (reacquired on loan), along with dynamic U.S. midfielders Brandt Bronico and Eryk Williamson (acquired from Portland). Up front, fan favorite Wilfried Zaha (on loan from Galatasaray) and Israeli winger Liel Abada lead a young attack group that includes rising strikers Kerwin Vargas and Patrick Agyemang. Charlotte FC 2025 roster (squad) also features draft picks and homegrown talents like Nimfasha Berchimas and Mikah Thomas, pointing to a deep, versatile team.

2025 Offseason Transfers & Roster Moves

Charlotte FC made significant transfer moves ahead of 2025, filling key needs on the roster. Major incoming transfers include:

• Wilfried Zaha (FW) – Former English Premier League star signed on loan from Galatasaray (2025 DP).
• Souleyman Doumbia (DF) – Ivorian left back added on season-long loan from Standard Liège.
• Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty (DF) – Canadian fullback joined on loan from CF Montréal.
• Eryk Williamson (MF) – U.S. international acquired in exchange for $100K GAM from Portland Timbers.
• Pep Biel (MF) – Spanish attacking midfielder brought back on loan from Olympiacos.
• Mikah Thomas (DF) – Ninth overall pick in 2025 MLS SuperDraft, signed to first pro contract.

New signings like Wilfried Zaha (left) and Pep Biel (right) will be central to Charlotte’s 2025 attack.

Key departures and roster exits:

• Karol Świderski (FW) – Transferred to Panathinaikos FC (Jan 2025).
• Jere Uronen (DF) – Moved to AIK (Sweden) on a permanent transfer.
• Ben Bender (MF) – Waived (Apr 2025) after 61 appearances (8 goals, 8 assists).
• João Pedro (DF) – Loaned to Rio Ave in Portugal.
• Júnior Urso (MF) – Transferred (free) to Houston Dynamo.

The club also traded for allocation money and made additional draft picks. For example, Charlotte sent allocation money to Atlanta to facilitate roster moves. These changes gave the team “roster options it’s never had before”. Throughout the window, Charlotte’s management focused on balancing the Eastern Conference competitiveness by adding depth and maintaining wage flexibility.

Squad Depth & Positional Breakdown

The 2025 Charlotte FC roster is deep, with multiple players at each position. Head coach Dean Smith can use various formations (often a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1) given the personnel.

• Goalkeepers (GK): #1 Kristijan Kahlina (CRO, captain), #22 David Bingham (USA), #26 Chituru Odunze (USA, top prospect), #31 George Marks (USA). Kahlina, a Croatian international, remains starter; Bingham (ex-Sounders) is an experienced backup; 18-year-old Odunze is a rising talent.
• Defenders (DF): The back line is headlined by #3 Tim Ream (USA, veteran CB) and includes #24 Mikah Thomas (USA, new SuperDraft signee), #29 Adilson Malanda (FRA, CB), #28 Djibril Diani (FRA, CB/DM), #14 Nathan Byrne (ENG, returning RB), #21 Souleyman Doumbia (CIV, new LB), #2 Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty (CAN, new LB), #4 Andrew Privett (USA, young CB/DM), #39 Jack Neeley (USA, CB) and academy product Jahlane Forbes (USA, #40, CB). This mix of international veterans and MLS-proven defenders gives solidity and competition.
• Midfielders (MF): Veteran presence and creativity come from #8 Ashley Westwood (ENG, CDM, captain), and #19 Eryk Williamson (USA, CM). #13 Brandt Bronico (USA) provides box-to-box energy; #16 Pep Biel (ESP, attacking mid) adds flair off the bench. Other midfield options: #4 Privett (USA, left mid), #28 Diani (USA, DM), #272 Nikola Petković (SRB, DM), plus young playmaker Nimfasha Berchimas (#27) and Iuri Tavares (CPV, #38) who are stepping up in the midfield.
• Forwards (FW): The attack is led by Designated Player #10 Wilfried Zaha (CIV, ST). Israeli winger #11 Liel Abada (ISR) provides speed on the wing. #18 Kerwin Vargas (COL) and #33 Patrick Agyemang (USA) give physical presence up front. Young strikers #25 Tyger Smalls (ENG) and #35 Nick Scardina (USA) add depth. Overall, Charlotte fields a potent, multi-national forward group that can rotate through the season.

Team Depth Chart (example):

This roster depth allows rotation for injuries and in mid-week competitions like the CONCACAF Champions Cup or U.S. Open Cup. The club also maintains young players with Crown Legacy FC (MLS Next Pro) for call-ups.

Key Players & Performance Outlook

Charlotte FC’s key players will drive the team’s success:

• Ashley Westwood (Midfielder, Captain): The English veteran anchors midfield, providing leadership and stability. He’s a 10-year Premier League veteran, and re-signed through 2026.
• Wilfried Zaha (Forward): The marquee acquisition (ex-England winger) expected to be a goals and assists leader. Zaha’s Premier League pedigree should translate into a big impact.
• Liel Abada (Forward): Fast Israeli winger, top assist provider in 2023. His partnership with Zaha will be crucial for attacking output.
• Tim Ream (Defender): MLS veteran and U.S. international, organizes the back line at center back.
• David Bingham (Goalkeeper): Experienced MLS keeper who provides stability, especially important if Kahlina is injured.
• Pep Biel (Midfielder): Creative Spaniard who shone in 2024 (2 goals, 3 assists). He doesn’t occupy a DP slot and adds depth behind starters.

Statistics & Standing: In early 2025 play, Charlotte has been strong. Through nine matches, the team topped the Eastern Conference with 19 points (6W-2L-1D), a club-best start. That performance reflects solid home form (6-0-2) versus a weaker away record. Key contributors include Westwood, Bronico, Williamson, and new signing Zaha. Charlotte’s goal differential and points tally suggest they can challenge for the Supporters’ Shield in MLS 2025.

Match Schedule Highlights: Charlotte FC kicks off home matches at Bank of America Stadium, the Panthers’ home turf. Notable upcoming games include a big July 5, 2025 clash vs. Orlando City SC under the lights. Fans can check the full match schedule on the official site. Home crowds (51,000 average in 2023) will be crucial in tight Eastern Conference battles.

Charlotte FC vs. Eastern Conference Rivals

Competing in MLS’s Eastern Conference, Charlotte FC must contend with teams like Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, Nashville SC, and New York City FC. The MLS standings promise fierce competition. Charlotte’s roster improvements aim to close the gap: for example, new left back Souleyman Doumbia strengthens defense against high-powered attacks. Offensively, Zaha and Abada give Charlotte firepower to match any East contender.

Soccer analytics have Charlotte with a positive goal differential early in 2025. Maintaining form and home advantage will be key. Strategic depth (e.g. rotating midfield or forwards in congested schedules) will test coach Dean Smith’s management skills. Fans should watch for how the team integrates younger players (like Nimfasha) into big games.

Off-the-Field & Fan Engagement

Off the pitch, Charlotte FC continues to engage its expanding fan base. Off-field highlights:

• Charlotte secured $400,000 GAM from Atlanta to support roster building.
• The club’s academy and Crown Legacy FC pipeline (MLS Next Pro) are developing future first-team players.
• Social media buzz has grown around Zaha’s arrival, which the club leveraged for marketing (e.g. Zaha “For the Crown” graphics).

Fans enjoy matchday promotions (recent “straw hat giveaway” on July 5), and tailgating at Bank of America Stadium. The Mint City Collective supporters’ group remains loud, ensuring a strong home atmosphere.

CTAs: Soccer fans and Charlotte FC supporters should stay connected via official channels (Twitter/X, Facebook, MLS Season Pass). Remember to comment with your lineup predictions and share this post if you’re excited for Charlotte FC Squad 2025! Follow us for updates on match results and roster news throughout the season.

FAQ

Q: Who are the key new signings in the 2025 Charlotte FC roster?
A: Major arrivals include winger Wilfried Zaha (loan from Galatasaray), left back Souleyman Doumbia (loan from Standard Liège), right back Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty (loan from CF Montréal), midfielder Eryk Williamson (from Portland Timbers), and playmaker Pep Biel (on loan from Olympiacos).

Q: Which Charlotte FC players left the team before 2025?
A: Departures included forward Karol Świderski (sold to Panathinaikos), left back Jere Uronen (to AIK, Sweden), midfielder Ben Bender (waived), and others like João Pedro (loan to Rio Ave) and Júnior Urso (to Houston). These moves opened roster spots and international slots.

Q: What are Charlotte FC’s goals for the 2025 season?
A: Building on a successful 2024 (5th in East, playoff berth), Charlotte FC aims to improve on the MLS standings and make a deep playoff run. With strengthened defense and new attacking stars, the team is targeting the top of the Eastern Conference and contending for the MLS Cup.

Q: Where do Charlotte FC play their home games?
A: Charlotte FC’s home stadium is Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte. Known as Bank of America Stadium, it’s a 75,000-seat venue also home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. The Crown regularly draws large crowds under the stadium lights.

Q: How can fans find the 2025 match schedule and results?
A: The full match schedule, including MLS and Cup games, is available on the Charlotte FC website. For example, Charlotte FC hosts Orlando City SC on July 5, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium. Fans can also track standings and upcoming fixtures on the official site and MLS platforms.

Q: Who is the captain of Charlotte FC and their performance last season?
A: Club captain is midfielder Ashley Westwood. He signed a new contract through 2026. In 2024, Westwood’s leadership helped Charlotte earn a playoff spot (5th in Eastern Conference). His experience and form are key for 2025 ambitions.

Q: What is Charlotte FC’s recent form entering 2025?
A: The Crown started 2025 strongly. By Matchday 9, Charlotte was first in the Eastern Conference with 19 points (6W-2L-1D). This reflects a solid home record and effective goal-scoring. Maintaining this momentum is a prime goal as the season progresses.

Each answer above incorporates data or quotes from official Charlotte FC sources, ESPN/MLS data, or MLS standings, providing up-to-date information on the Charlotte FC Squad 2025.