Charlotte FC sign forward Enzo Copetti as Designated Player from Racing Club
By Chris Smith
Charlotte FC have completed the signing of striker Enzo Copetti from Argentine side Racing Club, the club announced Wednesday.
Copetti arrives on a Designated Player contract through the 2025 MLS season with a club option for 2026, occupying an international spot on Charlotte's roster.
The price paid for Copetti has not been disclosed, but as reported by 90min, it's believed to be around the $6m mark.
“We’re delighted to complete the permanent signing of Enzo to become our next Designated Player. He’s a clinical goal scorer for one of the biggest clubs in Argentina and we are confident his physical profile and skillset will translate well to Major League Soccer,” sporting director Zoran Krneta said in a club press release.
“Securing a top striker entering the prime of his career is a big achievement for the club. We are always looking to improve, and with Enzo added to the mix, we continue to build a formidable attack with positional flexibility for head coach Christian Lattanzio to work with in 2023 and beyond.”
A pure No.9, Copetti - who turns 27 next week - 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 will play the two DP forwards in tandem with each other, forming what could become one of the most formidable partnerships in Major League Soccer.
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