Charlotte FC closing in on Argentine forward Enzo Copetti
By Chris Smith
Charlotte FC are on the verge of adding another Designated Player (DP) forward in the form of Racing Club's Enzo Copetti, sources have told 90min.
First reported by MLSsoccer.com's Tom Bogert, a source with knowledge of the situation has told 90min that CLTFC and Racing are in agreement on a fee believed to be in the region of $6m. It's understood most contractual details have also been ironed out, with only the player's medical and a few procedural hurdles left to overcome.
Earlier leaks in Argentina had stated the deal was fully complete, but 90min understands those reporters were slightly premature.
Copetti turns 27 in January and would make a fine addition to the Charlotte forward line given his current form.
Watch the story of Charlotte FC's journey to MLS in 90min's The Making of Charlotte FC, presented by DoorDash, on 90min channels now. Subscribe to our new US YouTube channel.
A pure No.9, Copetti has hit 21 goals and six assists in 47 appearances for Racing across all competitions in 2022, helping the club finish second in the Argentine Primera Division and coming third in the Golden Boot race.
There had been rumors that existing DP forward Karol Swiderski could leave Charlotte in January. However, it's understood the forward - who represented Poland at the World Cup in Qatar this winter - is likely to remain at Bank of America Stadium.
As the 2022 season progressed, Swiderski, Charlotte's top scorer in their inaugural year with 10 goals, dropped further back into the No.10 position. It's thought Christian Lattanzio would play the two DP forwards in tandem with each other, forming what could become one of the most formidable partnerships in Major League Soccer.