MLS Deadline Day: Charlotte FC signs former English Championship defender and more
A former Championship defender has arrived in Charlotte.
Charlotte FC announced on Thursday afternoon that it had signed Nathan Byrne, a 30-year-old Englishman who spent the last four full seasons playing in the English Championship with Wigan Athletic and Derby County, to its 2022 roster.
Byrne committed to a contract until 2024 with an option for 2025. He’ll join the club immediately, pending approval of his work visa. Byrne was even on hand for Wednesday night’s win over D.C. United, a group coached by his former gaffer, Wayne Rooney.
The defender is perhaps best-known for his contribution on then-League One side Wigan Athletic — when Byrne played all 180 minutes in back-to-back upsets over Premier League sides West Ham United and Manchester City en route to an FA Cup Quarterfinals appearance in 2018.
In total, Byrne has made over 400 professional appearances in English football.
“Nathan is a well-rounded, versatile right back who has proven his ability in a very competitive and physical English Championship. He is a top pro who brings added veteran leadership to our dressing room,” Charlotte FC sporting director Zoran Krneta said in a statement. “His experience will provide valuable competition in the squad as we continue to add pieces to our roster to continue to build on our competitive foundation moving forward.”
Thursday marks Charlotte FC’s second of two deadline days this season — the final day non-free agents can join MLS rosters this summer. In other words, after today the only new signings must have already been free agents or signed from within the organization.
Other signings: Adilson Malanda bolsters defense
Another defender from Europe will occupy an international roster slot on Charlotte FC.
Adilson Malanda from French club Rodez AF has signed a contract through 2025 with an option for 2026, the club announced on Thursday afternoon. He was acquired on a permanent transfer.
Malanda, with Byrne, bolsters a back-line that has been a strength of CFC under head coach Christian Lattanzio. It also comes after 22-year-old CFC defender Christian Makoun was traded to New England, a transaction that was announced Thursday.
Nuno Santos arrives from SL Benefica
Charlotte FC announced the signing of Nuno Santos until 2024 on Thursday. The 23-year-old Portuguese attacking midfielder will occupy an international roster slot in 2022.
This story was originally published August 4, 2022 at 12:53 PM.
