CHARLOTTE FC NEWS

Andrew Privett - Dropped out of starting contention Privett recorded 19 starts in 23 MLS appearances during the 2025 season/

Impact Privett had a promising start to the season, getting consistent starts at center back for Charlotte. However, since the return of Nathan Byrne and the signing of Harry Toffolo, the defender fell completely out of contention to start, playing only three times since July 16. He will likely remain a depth option to start off 2026, though could be the first player called up for any injuries to the back line for Charlotte.

NOVEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Harry Toffolo - Only made six MLS appearances Toffolo recorded five starts in six appearances, including the playoffs, during the 2025 season.

Impact Toffolo joined Charlotte in August to bolster the back line, but a hamstring injury sidelined him for a month, resulting in just six appearances in 2025. He contributed one assist, along with 19 crosses and 12 clearances. The defender is likely to be a strong candidate for a starting role, but needs to stay healthy to achieve that.

NOVEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Nathan Byrne - Solid comeback season Byrne recorded 20 starts in 20 MLS appearances, including the playoffs, during the 2025 season.

Impact Byrne's season was paused early on after a neck injury saw him miss three months. However, since returning, he was able to slide right back into the starting XI and remain fit to end the year, making 55 clearances, 30 tackles, and holding on to nine clean sheets. As long as the keeper is able to stay healthy, he will remain a top starter at left back for Charlotte through 2026.

NOVEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Tim Ream - Plays 30 matches in 2025 Ream recorded 37 starts in 30 MLS appearances, including the playoffs, during the 2025 season.

Impact Ream has provided a significant veteran presence in the backline since joining from Fulham last summer. He averaged about 3.7 clearances per match, making 19 blocks and accumulating 10 clearances in 30 appearances, while also missing some games due to USMNT call-ups. With the World Cup on the horizon, the defender is expected to remain the primary center back for Charlotte in 2026.

NOVEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Ashley Westwood - Main set piece taker Weatwood made a start in all 35 appearances, including the playoffs, during the 2025 season.

Impact Westwood has been the heart of Charlotte's midfield since 2023. He led the team in set-piece situations with 85, while also scoring once with four assists. The midfielder will enter the final year of his contract, but given his importance and consistency, the team will likely prioritize keeping him beyond the 2026 season.

NOVEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Liel Abada - Rotational role for 2025 Abada made 18 starts in 34 appearances, including the playoffs, during the 2025 season.

Impact Abada had a rotational role in the attack in 2025, starting just over 50 percent of his games. He recorded five goals and one assist, while creating 27 chances, completing 31 crosses, and making 29 tackles. He primarily served as a backup for Wilfred Zaha, which is reflected in his reduced goal contributions and playing time this year.

NOVEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Kerwin Vargas - 22 starts for CLT Vargas recorded 22 starts in 27 appearances, including the playoffs, during the 2025 season with Charlotte.

Impact Vargas saw a decrease in starts to 22 in 37 appearances, failing to improve from 2024. He contributed six goals and three assists, while creating 29 chances, completing 22 of 69 crosses, and making 29 tackles. With his contract expiring at the end of 2026, the forward needs to boost his goal contributions to secure a future with the club.

NOVEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Pep Biel - Loan made permanent Biel (knee) is joining Charlotte on a permanent basis, Charlotte announced.

Impact Biel's loan from Olympiacos has now been made permanent after he achieved some performance-based goals. The midfielder had an excellent second season, scoring 10 goals and adding 11 assists. He ended the season on the sideline with a knee injury, but should be back in the first team for 2026.

NOVEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Wilfried Zaha - Loan extended Zaha's loan has been extended through 2026, Charlotte announced.

Impact Zaha met performance-based requirements that saw his loan extended through 2026. He scored 10 goals and added five assists in 33 starts on loan from Galatasaray. Zaha should be a huge part of the starting XI throughout 2026, and could make the move to Charlotte permanent if the club negotiates a transfer.

NOVEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Tyger Smalls - Returning to Charlotte Smalls will be back in Charlotte after his 2026 option was picked up, Charlotte announced.

Impact Smalls is set to return to Charlotte after two quiet seasons with the club. The midfielder has potential, but hasn't been exceptional during his two seasons with the club. He's made 30 appearances (one start) in the last two seasons. Smalls will hope to break into the squad in a larger role in 2026.

NOVEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Djibril Diani - Option exercised Diani's contract option for 2026 was picked up, Charlotte announced.

Impact Diani is back with Charlotte and will be an option through 2026. The midfielder has played a big role during his first two seasons with Charlotte, making 17 starts (28 appearances) last season. The midfielder finished the season as a consistent starter, starting every match for the final three months.

NOVEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Drake Callender - Option picked up Callender will return to Charlotte in 2026 after his contract option was picked up, Charlotte announced.

Impact Callender is set to return to Charlotte after being acquired earlier in the season. The goalkeeper didn't make any appearances after making the switch to Charlotte, but he's a solid backup. Callender was a three-year starter with Inter Miami prior to the trade.

NOVEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Thomas Muller, Wilfried Zaha's MLS Futures Revealed Ahead of 2026 Season The future is becoming clear for some of the biggest stars in MLS as Vancouver Whitecaps’ Thomas Müller and Charlotte FC’s Wilfried Zaha con...

NOVEMBER 21 • SI.COM

Bill Tuiloma - Suffers leg injury Tuiloma suffered a leg injury and was forced off in the 42nd minute of Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Ecuador, according to RNZ.

Impact Tuiloma couldn't make it to the break in Tuesday's defeat against Ecuador after suffering a leg injury. The defender will return to Charlotte and will have plenty of time to recover before the 2026 MLS season. That said, the contract of Tuiloma is ending at the end of the year, which raises doubts about whether he will stay with the Crown heading into the new season.

NOVEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Deadspin | Charlotte FC extend M Brandt Bronico's contract Deadspin | Charlotte FC extend M Brandt Bronico's contract

NOVEMBER 12 • DEADSPIN.COM

Charlotte FC sign Brandt Bronico to contract extension | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Extension Charlotte FC have signed midfielder Brandt Bronico to a contract extension through 2027 with an option fo...

NOVEMBER 12 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Brandt Bronico - Extends with Charlotte Bronico has extended with Charlotte, according to his club.

Impact Bronico is extending his time with Charlotte after four seasons with the club, inking a deal for two more seasons and holding an option for the 2028 campaign. This is massive news for both sides, as he is a regular starter, starting in 31 of his 34 appearances this campaign. This is a role he should maintain throughout the rest of his contract, a backbone for the club in the midfield.

NOVEMBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

What now? Charlotte, Columbus, Nashville, Portland & Seattle out in Round One | MLSSoccer.com Our annual collection of post-mortems rolls on with the collection of teams that made it to Game 3 in Round One of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Pla...

NOVEMBER 11 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Kristijan Kahlina - Season ends Friday Kahlina registered four saves and allowed three goals in Friday's 3-1 defeat to New York City FC.

Impact Kahlina's season came to an end Friday after conceding three goals to NYCFC. He ends the 2025 season making 35 appearances, including the playoffs, conceding 48 goals while making 138 saves with 13 clean sheets. The keeper has remained consistent since last year, as he enters the final year of his contract extension.

NOVEMBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

Nicolas Fernandez tallies twice as NYCFC knock out Charlotte FC New York City FC scored a pair of breakaway goals just before and shortly after halftime, then held off a late rally from host Charlotte FC...

NOVEMBER 8 • THENEWSTRIBUNE.COM

WATCH: Nicolás Fernández Mercau brace sends NYCFC into Conference Semifinals | MLSSoccer.com Official MLS highlights, classic matches, video series and features.

NOVEMBER 8 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Nicolás Fernández, Alonso Martínez lead NYCFC over Charlotte 3-1 in first-round rubber match

Nicolás Fernández scored twice in stoppage time and Alonso Martínez found the net early in the second half to lead New York City FC to a 3-1 victory over Charlotte FC on Friday nig...

NOVEMBER 8 • Associated Press

Deadspin | Charlotte FC undeterred by playoff scoring outage vs. NYCFC Deadspin | Charlotte FC undeterred by playoff scoring outage vs. NYCFC

NOVEMBER 6 • DEADSPIN.COM

Kristijan Kahlina - Comes out big Saturday Kahlina recorded five saves during the 0-0 loss in shootout against Charlotte F.C.

Impact Kahlina was outstanding Saturday, making five saves in regulation while making a huge pk save to force a game three. Despite allowing a goal, he has made nine saves in the series with one clean sheet, going head to head with Matt Freese, who had made seven saves with two clean sheets.

NOVEMBER 6 • ROTOWIRE