Charlotte FC's all-time leading scorer, Karol Swiderski will be leaving the club. The 28-year-old Polish forward has been transferred to Panathinaikos FC in the Greek Super League for a reported $2 million fee. Moving him opens up a Designated Player slot that could prove pivotal in the future of the team in MLS.
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Legacy of Karol Swiderski at Charlotte FC
Swiderski was not just a forward; he was more than that. He was Charlotte FC's very first Designated Player and one of the cornerstones in establishing the club's identity since the inaugural MLS season in 2022. With 32 goals in 85 appearances, he tops not only the team's scoring charts but also delivered at crucial times.
The Polish striker had his best MLS season in 2023, bagging 12 goals and adding 4 assists. After spending the first half of 2024 on loan at Hellas Verona in Italy's Serie A, he returned to Charlotte for the second half of the season, bagging another 6 goals and 2 assists. These displays by Swiderski helped Charlotte FC reach the playoffs in consecutive seasons, as he nailed down a spot in the attacking core.
Karol was the first Designated Player in our club's history, and his success on the pitch played a significant role in establishing us in this league over the past three seasons," said Zoran Krneta, Charlotte FC sporting director. "We thank him for his contributions and wish he and his family all the best as he returns to Greece."
Financial and technical impact of the transfer
The move now leaves Charlotte FC with an open DP slot, one of the most valuable resources in MLS. The DP system lets clubs sign those marquee players who can often exceed the league's salary cap and really change the trajectory of a team. With that slot now open, Charlotte can fill that void with a difference-maker to fit into the roster.
Currently, the DP players for Charlotte FC include Liel Abada and Wilfried Zaha, a star acquisition from last offseason. Now, the question is how Charlotte will use this newly available slot to bolster the squad.
The $2 million transfer fee from the transfer of Swiderski to Panathinaikos adds financial flexibility with which the team can reinvest into new signings or put into structure improvement. While Swiderski was integral to the core of the attack, head coach Dean Smith now has an opportunity to re-work the approach of his team, likely seeking a better balance that might not rely quite so much on one forward.
A new era for Charlotte FC
Without Swiderski, Patrick Agyemang becomes the first choice as a forward for Charlotte FC. In 2024, the young striker led the team with 10 goals and will be in critical development to help fill the hole left by Swiderski and keep the team dangerous up front.
Entering his second year as head coach, the added challenge for Dean Smith will be reshaping the squad while keeping Charlotte competitive in the Eastern Conference. The team finished fifth in 2024, a good position, yet one that leaves room for further improvement.
The 2025 season opener on February 22 against the Seattle Sounders will serve as the first test to how the team adapts without its all-time leading scorer.
The new destination of Swiderski
It would be interesting to see Swiderski back in Greece, this time with Panathinaikos. The Polish forward played for PAOK before coming to Charlotte FC and left an indelible mark with his finishing ability inside the box. This time around, the same player gets another opportunity to continue in the same environment but with different challenges.
The Greek Super League is a competitive stage, and Panathinaikos is an ambitious club both at home and in Europe. Therefore, the transfer for Swiderski will be certain reinvention and pursuit of more serious achievements.