Charlotte FC have their first-ever homegrown player, signing Brian Romero through the 2026 Major League Soccer season with an option for 2027.
The midfielder initially joined the club’s academy in 2020, becoming a standout with the under-17 side before securing a first-team contract.
“Brian is a tremendous young man who loves to play football and has a hunger to become the best player he can be. He’s shown his talent at the academy level and for the youth national team and has the potential to become one of the country’s top talents,” sporting director Zoran Krneta said in a release.
“This is a signing for our future. Brian still has to grow and adjust to senior football, but we have a specific plan for his development, and he will be learning under coaches with a true passion for mentoring and developing young players. We have worked since 2020 to develop our own talent throughout the Carolinas and to sign the first homegrown player in club history is one of our proudest moments.”
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Romero has already made himself familiar with the senior squad, coming off the bench for Charlotte in their friendly against Chelsea on July 20. He drew the late penalty kick that allowed for the 1-1 draw.
The midfielder also stood as one of two Charlotte academy players to join the first team’s inaugural preseason camp.
“As an academy staff, we couldn’t be more excited for Brian to take the next step in his journey and sign his first professional contract,” executive academy director Bryan Scales said in a release.
“Brian is Charlotte through and through. He is a local young man who has excelled on his pathway through our academy and at the international level, becoming a tangible example for young players across our region who have dreams of becoming a professional soccer player.”
Romero is expected to join Charlotte’s MLS NEXT Pro team for its inaugural season in 2023. He will represent the team in the upcoming MLS NEXT All-Star Game in Minnesota.
