Charlotte FC sign Harrison Afful to contract extension

Charlotte FC have signed defender Harrison Afful to a contract extension through the end of the 2023 MLS season, with an additional option for 2024. 

The terms of the deal also include a position for the player in the club’s scouting department. 

"Harry played an important role in our 2022 season, and we’re excited to have him back in our locker room for the upcoming campaign," Charlotte sporting director Zoran Krneta said in an official statement.

The defender managed 21 appearances for Charlotte during their inaugural MLS season following a seven-year stint with the Columbus Crew. Over in Ohio, he recorded six goals and 18 assists in over 164 regular-season appearances while inspiring the Crew to win the MLS Cup and Campeones Cup in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Beyond the pitch, the new contract allows the veteran defender to slowly make the transition to a player development role.

"We are thrilled he will be spending his time off the pitch with Thomas, Lisandro, and our excellent scouting department to set the foundations of what is sure to be an excellent career off the pitch once his playing days are done," Krneta said.

Afful’s deal comes as the first major update from Charlotte FC in the offseason, following the news of Daniel Rios transferring to Liga MX side Chivas de Guadalajara. Though the team has been relatively quiet, a deal for Burnley midfielder Ashley Westwood and Racing Club forward Enzo Copetti appear to be in the works.