MLS Free Agent/Out of contract players that Charlotte FC could target
By Brian Maurer
Josef Martinez playing for CF Montreal in 2024 (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner)
MLS Free Agency opened on Dec. 12. The Re-Entry Draft has also concluded with a few notable out-of-contract players getting signed. The offseason roster-building schedule is in full swing. Here are some MLS Free Agents and other out-of-contract MLS players worth keeping an eye on who could be a good fit for Charlotte FC as they add new pieces to their roster this winter.
Raul Ruidiaz and Josef Martinez
Raul Ruidiaz (34) and Josef Martinez (31) are grouped in this article because they would both be in a similar role if either were of interest to Charlotte. They would need to accept a favorable TAM-player contract that would still give the Crown some roster flexibility as well as be willing to sacrifice minutes so that Patrick Agyemang has an open door to shoot his shot with plenty of starts this season.
This is all contingent on whether Charlotte decides to keep Karol Swiderski for another year. If they do, then they will not be in the market for a striker. If Swiderski does leave this winter, then a well-respected veteran who is looking to be a leader as much off the field as on it would be of interest to Charlotte. The question then is whether Ruidiaz and Martinez are willing to evolve into that type of player when they have been two of the better strikers in MLS for long stretches of their careers.
Albert Rusnak
Albert Rusnak (30) is a longshot as all indicators have pointed to him resigning with the Seattle Sounders. If a deal were to fall through he becomes the top available MLS Free Agent this year. He had 22 goal contributions (10g/12a) in MLS play for Seattle in 2024 and would likely fit well into a Charlotte system that expects its midfielders to be two-way players.
Latif Blessing
Latif Blessing (27) hasn’t found a good fit in years. His best seasons in MLS were in the early LAFC days five years ago. He could slot in as an attacking gadget-type player who could fill multiple rotational roles either centrally or on the wings for Charlotte.
Charlotte is lacking a piece or two both in midfield and at winger so getting a player at value who could provide depth in both spots could be of interest to the Crown depending on how much roster flexibility they have as the winter window progresses.
Fafa Picault
Fafa Picault (33) is another attacking gadget-type player who can play several roles in the attack, similar to Blessing. The difference is that Picault is in form and has continued to find goal contributions playing different roles as a journeyman on multiple MLS clubs. The Haitian has speed and could likely give 1500-2000 minutes in a season if needed. He’s also displayed goalscoring efficiency and could provide close to double-digit goal contributions even if his role is more limited.
Based on the current state of Charlotte’s attack, Picault could see himself earning starts unless winter signings are made, which, in that case, would make this a good move for both parties.
Alexandru Matan
Alexandru Matan (25) is an interesting situation worth monitoring. He doesn’t have the years of service to be an MLS Free Agent so the negotiation process is a bit different to sign Matan who is also out of contract. He was a U22 Initiative signing for the Columbus Crew but outright won a starting role during his time there. He did earn over 2000 minutes in 2023 and had eight assists during that season.
Charlotte might not have the space on their senior roster to take on another high-potential project but if they can find a way, Matan is an intriguing candidate with some tremendous upside.
Dylan Borrero
Dylan Borrero (22) is another U22 Initiative signing out of contract. He, like Matan, does not have the years of service needed to be an MLS Free Agent, but has high potential if he can find the right team and fully recovers from his injury setbacks. Charlotte is likely not the right spot for him as they already have multiple wingers in his age range who are adding depth with potential upside.
His status is worth monitoring if he can find the right role and demonstrate that he can still play after his devastating injury.
Free Agent/Out of contract player tracker
Here is a full list of current Free Agent/out-of-contract MLS players updated regularly. The list shows which players have Free Agent status, their roster designation at their previous club, and is organized by their 2024 guaranteed salary so you can see who the top available options are.
