Charlotte FC trades Drake Callender to Minnesota United

CHARLOTTE FC

Goalkeeper Drake Callender's (left) stay with Charlotte FC amounted to four months after he was traded to Minnesota United for $450,000 in general allocation money.

Charlotte FC has dealt goalkeeper Drake Callender to Minnesota United for $450,000 in general allocation money.

The Crown will receive $350,000 in 2026 GAM – equal to what they paid Inter Miami to acquire Callender – and $100,000 in 2027. Charlotte FC also retains a percentage of any future sale or trade of Callender and up to another $300,000 in GAM if conditional thresholds are met.

“I’m extremely excited to join Minnesota United FC and be a part of a growing club that has big ambitions,” Callender said in a statement. “I’ve heard great things about the fan base and the atmosphere they create at Allianz Field. It’s going to be incredibly special to get to play in front of them.”

Charlotte acquired Callender in August as a backup to starter Kristijan Kahlina. Before his arrival, Callender was Inter Miami’s top goalkeeper before a sports hernia sidelined him early in 2025. He posted 19 clean sheets in 118 appearances across all competitions and helped Miami earn the 2023 Leagues Cup and MLS Supporters’ Shield (2024) titles.

“Drake brings winning experience and a strong understanding of Major League Soccer to our club,” Minnesota Chief sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad. “He has proven himself as a consistent shot-stopper and a leader on the back line. We believe his presence will strengthen our defensive unit, and we’re excited to welcome him to Minnesota United as we prepare for the upcoming season.”

Before Charlotte, Callender made 91 starts over the four seasons with Inter Miami but lost his starting job after sustaining a sports hernia and subsequent surgery. Callender has international experience as well with the United States, and in 2023 and 2024 earned call-ups and a roster spot for the Concacaf Nations Leagues semifinals and finals.

With Callender gone, Charlotte returns Kahlina, Chitiru Odunze and Nick Holliday as well as 2025 SuperDraft pick Jahiem Wickham, who was taken in the third round.

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