Charlotte FC makes changes to improve towards playoffs 

CHARLOTTE FC

Charlotte FC defender Adilson Malanda is transferring to Middlesborough FC at the conclusion of the Crown's MLS season for an undisclosed fee.

It’s been a busy week for Charlotte FC’s roster, and it’s only Wednesday. 

The club made it official today that Adilson Malanda has been transferred to Middlesbrough FC for an undisclosed fee, which has been reported at $8 million plus add-ons, according to the Yorkshire Post and BBC. He has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with the club known as Boro.

On the club website, Malanda said, "I feel really good to be here and I’ve had a good welcome. It’s a historic club, and to be part of it is really exciting. There were a lot of talks, and I’m happy we could make it happen. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in the future."

But before that, there is the present. Malanda won’t join the northern England club until January as he will remain in Charlotte on loan through the MLS season, including any playoff run.
Middlesbrough are looking to gain promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2016-17. The English Championship Division team is second after two matches and finished 10th last season.

“There were multiple top clubs that sent us strong offers for Adi,” said general manager Zoran Krneta, “but in the end, this option allowed for us to keep him through the end of the season as we push for the top four. His career path shows that Charlotte FC is the right place for young players to come and develop into sought after players from clubs all around the world.”

On Monday, new signing Archie Goodwin was introduced to local media. Tuesday brought news of goalkeeper Drake Callender joining from Inter Miami and the release of defender Souleyman Doumbia as well as goalkeeper George Marks.

Malanda to Middlesbrough, but not yet

The departure of Malanda has been rumor mill fodder since his arrival, as the 23-year-old French centerback has proven himself one of the best defenders in MLS with persistent gossip of clubs wanting to lure him home. His smile and accessible demeanor have further cemented his place as a fan favorite.

Malanda was contracted to Charlotte through 2026. Other clubs rumored to have had interest in him include Benfica, PSV Eindhoven, Club Brugge, and Norwich City. 

Malanda started all 94 MLS regular season and four playoff games he’s participated in. In 107 games across all competitions, he’s logged 9,610 minutes with two goals and a pair of assists. 

Last season, Malanda set career-highs in appearances (32) and minutes (2,880) anchoring one of the stingiest backlines in MLS, which kept the second highest total of clean sheets with 13, allowing the second lowest number of goals (37).

Callender in, Marks out

One that really hurts is the waiver of George Marks, who has been with Charlotte since it hit the pitch. Marks was drafted in the third round of the 2022 SuperDraft out of Clemson, where he helped the Tigers to the 2021 NCAA College Cup title.

The Raleigh native made his professional debut in the U.S. Open Cup against Greenville Triumph SC. He later made his MLS debut against CF Montréal.

Marks played 10 matches overall for the senior team, including starting seven regular season games in 2023, when Kristijan Kahlina was out after back surgery, and one in 2022, as well as two U.S. Open Cup games in 2022. 

Is it a surprise? No. When the addition of Drake Callendar was announced on Tuesday, the first team bullpen of shot-stoppers grew to six. Marks, 25, has been the third keeper, behind the experienced starter Kahlina, 33, and backup David Bingham, 35. In the wings have been Chitiru Odunze, 22, and 19-year-old Nick Holliday, who has been playing with Crown Legacy.

Callendar is two years older than Marks but has made 91 starts over the past four seasons with Inter Miami, including Inter Miami's record-breaking run to the 2024 MLS Supporter's Shield and the Leagues Cup title in 2023. 

Callendar’s play earned him a U.S. National Team call-up last January. During the U.S. camp, he suffered a sports hernia which was operated on in May. He was training with the Herons in July but lost his starting job by that point. 

Doumbia doomed by injuries

For Doumbia, who was brought in to fill the void on the left side of defense with the left-footed player that Dean Smith wanted there, it was simply a matter of durability. The Ivorian was limited to 11 appearances and eight starts in 23 games, suffering three injuries since his debut March 12 against San Jose in Charlotte’s fifth game of the season.

“Souleyman played a key part in our successes when he was on the field this year,” Krneta said, “but unfortunately, injuries kept him off the field and didn’t allow him to reach his full potential with us in Charlotte.”

Had his hamstrings not subverted him, Doumbia, on a one-year loan from Belgian side Standard Liège, was a valued asset. He assisted on Idan Toklomati’s second goal of the season that gave the Crown a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute at Kansas City. While it wasn’t the only reason, after he was subbed out in the 88th minute, Charlotte gave up two goals in added time to lose the game.

Coming on as a 72nd minute substitute at Atlanta on July 19, Doumbia earned a second assist as he set Wilfried Zaha through on the left side, who put the ball on to Pep Biel for what would be the deciding goal in a 3-2 win.

Those would be his last minutes with Charlotte. Heading into the next match against Toronto, Smith said, “He felt a pinch at the end of the game, and he’s had a scan. It doesn’t look (to be) great news.” 
Doumbia was not available for the past six games including the Leagues Cup. 

The club signed left back Harry Toffolo from Premiere League club Nottingham Forest last week to fill the void. 

The MLS summer transfer window closes on Thursday.

Comments