Three strikers Charlotte FC could sign ahead of opening day

By Ryan Donahue

Raul Ruidiaz after winning the 2022 Concacaf Champions League (Photo courtesy of Seattle Sounders)

Last week Charlotte FC confirmed the signing of former Crystal Palace Ivorian superstar Wilfried Zaha as the club’s new number 10 ahead of the upcoming season. Adding Zaha to an attack of Kerwin Vargas, Liel Abada, and in-form US striker Patrick Agyemang will bolster Dean Smith’s offense for the upcoming season and bring a new level of dynamism across the front line.

Many fans are salivating at the idea of a front three that includes Zaha, Agyemang, and Abada; last week Charlotte also confirmed the official departure of the club’s Polish international Karol Swiderski who went to Panathinaikos. 

Swiderski’s departure leaves a vacancy in the front line, but it opens up a DP spot. Charlotte will likely wait until the summer to bolster the roster with another DP, but with the transfer window open and preseason in full stride, the front office could decide to source a more experienced veteran to fill Swiderski’s spot. While bringing in a veteran striker is not a long-term solution, an experienced player who is happy to play in the rotation and is capable of chipping in with goals and assists could be optimal for the club to reach its ambitions.

In previous seasons, the side’s lack of goals throughout campaigns has often been a focal point for supporters and media alike, and with Charlotte entering their fourth season and second under Smith’s tenure, having a potent offense that is scoring often will be an expectation for the team if they hope to surpass prior seasons. 

Here are a few players Charlotte could look to bring in as offensive depth options.

Raul Ruidiaz

Ruidiaz is an experienced Peruvian goalscorer who has been paramount to some of the best Seattle Sounders seasons and is currently a free agent. Ruidiaz's best season was in 2021 when he scored 17 goals in 26 games played.  From 2022 to 2024, Ruidiaz scored 22 goals and showed his capability to find the back of the net in a more limited role during that time. At 34 years old, Ruidiaz’s best years are behind him but if Charlotte were looking for a guy who can lead the line both as a starter or off the bench, Ruidiaz makes a lot of sense. 

The striker has been a consistent scorer at his time in Seattle and has a knack for scoring important goals, scoring in multiple postseason games as well as Seattle’s Concacaf Champions Cup run in 2022. As an MLS Cup Winner, Ruidiaz would bolster the amount of championship experience in Charlotte’s offense which at the moment is minimal.

Christian Ramirez

The Columbus Crew forward at age 33 was signed to the 2025 option year on his contract, which means he is likely a part of the club’s plans this year. But, a good trade offer might make them rethink their plans. Ramirez has been a consistent performer in all of the clubs he has played at. In his past two seasons at Columbus, Ramirez has 35 goal contributions (23g/12a) across all competitions. 

Ramirez has also been a regular contributor in some of Columbus’s key playoff fixtures. In 2023, Ramirez scored two goals against Orlando City SC and FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference Semifinal and Final matches. Ramirez would be another option that could bring leadership and experience in the postseason which will be critical if Charlotte hopes to advance past the first round for the first time in the club's history.

Daniel Rios

A familiar face to Charlotte FC fans is without a club this winter. Rios (29) put up a club-record four goals for Charlotte against the Philadelphia Union in 2022 before being transferred to Chivas at the end of that campaign. While Rios’ recent stint in Mexico did not go well his loan spell last season at Atlanta United showed promise of what Rios can still bring to an MLS roster. 

The Mexican striker had 14 goal contributions (10g/4a) in all competitions for Atlanta in 2024. He wouldn’t bring the winning pedigree that a Ruidiaz or a Ramirez would bring but he would provide the necessary depth, a nose for goal, MLS experience, and an ability to compete for starts if he gains confidence and builds momentum.