Charlotte FC agree deal with Greek Side Panathinaikos for Karol Swiderski

By Brian Maurer and Jorge Gonzales

Photo Courtesy of CJ Hellner

According to sources close to the situation, Charlotte FC is transferring striker Karol Świderski to Greek side Panathinaikos with a fee over 2 million. The Polish international has left the Miami training camp and will head to Europe to finalize his move. Negotiations between Charlotte FC and the Greek side began last week, with their first official bid being rejected.

When previously asked about Karol Świderski’s situation, General Manager Zoran Krneta stated, "We have received bids, and we have turned them down because they do not match our evaluation." Those negotiations have advanced, and a deal has been agreed upon.

His departure opens up a Designated Player spot for the Crown following their loan deal for winger Wilfried Zaha.

Swiderski is Charlotte FC's all-time leading goal scorer (32) and assists leader (14) in all competitions. He is also in the top five for appearances in all competitions (85) in the Crown's three-year history.

The Polish international has had a strained couple of years for Charlotte since 2023, when he told Polish reporters that he was interested in returning to Europe. He started 2024 on a loan spell with Italian club Hellas Verona and then returned to the Carolinas in the summer, helping the club clinch fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

This move puts Swiderski in a familiar league during his prime. He spent four seasons in the Greek Super League with PAOK Thessaloniki FC before moving to Charlotte. It will also increase the pressure on young prospect Patrick Agyemang, who will now seek to claim the full-time starting striker role at Charlotte FC.