News Focus
- Allan Saint-Maxinin has reached an agreement to join Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC
- The 29-year-old will sign as a Designated Player, replacing outgoing forward Wilfried Zaha
- He departs RC Lens after just five months where he won the Coupe de France
- The French club wanted to retain him, but the American offer proved too strong to resist
Allan Saint-Maximin is preparing to exit French football for the United States. The 29-year-old winger has reached an agreement to join Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer.
The French attacker will arrive in North Carolina as a Designated Player. This special status allows the club to pay him a salary above the league’s normal limits. He is taking the spot left by Wilfried Zaha, who has already confirmed his departure from the team.
Saint-Maximin only moved to RC Lens in February after ending his contract with Mexican side Club América. Despite spending just half a season with the northern French club, he made a strong impression. He scored four goals and provided three assists in 13 appearances. He also won his first professional trophy when Lens lifted the Coupe de France.
The club’s management had hoped to keep the player for next season. However, the opportunity to play in America proved too attractive to turn down.