Wilfried Zaha was only on loan at Charlotte FC last season from Galatasaray. However, his deal at both clubs has now expired. Charlotte have quickly moved on and snapped up Allan Saint-Maximin.
Charlotte's general manager, Zoran Krneta, told their official website, "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."
Saint-Maximin was a free agent after being released from the Ligue 1 side Lens. He has signed a three-year deal and will occupy a designated player slot. Saying the player is in the prime of his career is a bit of a stretch. However, the winger is still only 29 and should be able to do a job in MLS.
The MLS club is requiring a similar player to Zaha. Both players lit up the Premier League with their skills. Zaha was a star for Crystal Palace, who was often linked with moves to bigger clubs. He had a chance at Manchester United, but that move did not work out.
Alan Saint-Maximin and Wilfried Zaha are a similar mould
It was with Newcastle United that Saint-Maximin made a name for himself. His trickery made him a popular player amongst Magpies fans. In 124 games for Newcastle, he scored 13 goals with 21 assists. The club would have wanted more return for the talent that he possessed.
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia took over Newcastle in 2021, and new signings arrived. Anthony Gordon joined from Everton in January 2023, and in the summer of that year, Saint-Maximin departed.
He has become a bit of a journeyman since. Saint-Maximin initially joined Al-Ahli of the Saudi Pro League. However, he was then sent on loan to Fenerbahce. Then he joined Club America, but left the Liga MX side after a racist incident. Saint-Maximin was most recently with Lens, whom he helped win the Coupe de France with. He started in the final against Nice, who was the club he joined Newcastle from.
Saint-Maximin is joining a Charlotte side who are currently sixth in MLS' Eastern Conference. They have a strong Premier League contingent. They are managed by former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith. The Crown also has ex-Fulham defender Tim Ream and former Burnley midfielder Ashley Westwood as their captain. Another notable player on their roster is USMNT international Luca de la Torre, who also played for Fulham.
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