Full Breakdown
Charlotte FC Secures Former Premier League Star Allan Saint-Maximin on Designated-Player Deal
7/14/2026, 12:58:04 PM
Signing Overview
On Monday, July 13, 2026, Charlotte FC announced the acquisition of French forward Allan Saint-Maximin on a three-year Designated Player contract that runs through the 2028-29 season. The deal fills the Designated Player slot vacated by Wilfried Zaha after his loan with Galatasaray ended in May. Saint-Maximin joins the Crown after a season with RC Lens, where he contributed four goals and three assists in 13 matches and helped the club capture its first Coupe de France title.
Background & Context
Charlotte’s attacking options were left thin following Zaha’s departure, prompting the club to seek a player with comparable pace and creativity on the wing. Saint-Maximin, 29, previously made his name in the Premier League with Newcastle United, recording 13 goals and 21 assists in 124 appearances and featuring in Newcastle’s fourth-place finish that secured a Champions League berth. After a 2023 transfer to Saudi side Al-Ahli and a 2024-25 loan to Fenerbahçe, the winger returned to Europe with Lens before moving to MLS.
Official Statements & Responses
General Manager Zoran Krneta praised Saint-Maximin’s pedigree, emphasizing his “creativity, speed, technical ability and flair” as immediate upgrades to Charlotte’s attack. Club communications highlighted that Saint-Maximin will occupy both a Designated Player spot and an international roster slot, underscoring the strategic importance of the signing for roster construction.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Maxi is an elite attacking talent who has consistently performed at the highest levels of our sport, including in the Premier League. We’re delighted to bring a player of his quality to Charlotte while he is in the prime of his career,” — Zoran Krneta, General Manager, Charlotte FC
- “(Monday, July 13, 2026) – Charlotte FC today announced the Club has signed French forward Allan Saint-Maximin to a three-year Designated Player contract, which will run through the 2028-29 season.” — Charlotte FC (official announcement)
- “He occupies the DP spot previously held by Wilfried Zaha, who departed Charlotte in May following his loan from Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray.” — MLS Transfer Tracker
Impact and Outlook
Saint-Maximin’s arrival addresses the void left by Zaha and adds a proven Premier League winger to a squad seeking greater offensive firepower. His blend of speed and technical skill is expected to complement Charlotte’s tactical system, offering the club a chance to elevate its standing in Major League Soccer as the 2026 season approaches.
