Charlotte FC complete signing of French defender Adilson Malanda
By Chris Smith
Charlotte FC have further strengthened their backline with the signing of French center-back Adilson Malanda from Ligue 2 club Rodez AF.
The MLS expansion team signed English full-back Nathan Byrne from Derby County earlier on Thursday - as revealed by 90min - before completing the sale of Venezuela international center-back Christian Makoun to the New England Revolution.
But in what has been a busy MLS secondary transfer window deadline day for CLTFC, Malanda became the latest through the door, signing a deal through 2025 with an option for 2026, pending receipt of a P-1 visa and international transfer clearance.
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“Adilson is an exciting, young central defender who comes to us after an excellent first full season as a professional in France. We’re delighted to sign him and strengthen the spine of our team,” CLTFC sporting director Zoran Krneta said in a club press release.
“He’s a balanced player that fits our game model as he blends athleticism with quality and comfortability on the ball when playing out of the back.
"Part of our strategy in the summer window is not only bringing in competitive depth to help us as the season winds down, but to also add more building blocks that sets our squad up for success down the road. We believe Adilson has the potential to develop into an important player for us in the years ahead.”
Malanda started his career with Names, making his senior debut in December 2020 before joining Rodez last year. The 20-year-old played 33 times in Ligue 2 during his debut season and also helped Rodez keep a clean sheet against Quevilly Rouen in their first match of the new season last weekend.
Charlotte climbed above the MLS Cup Playoffs line with a 3-0 win over DC United on Wednesday night and face the Chicago Fire on Saturday.