The French winger leaves RC Lens after a successful season to fill the void left by Wilfried Zaha
Category: Sports
Allan Saint-Maximin, the 29-year-old French winger, is reportedly on the verge of joining Major League Soccer's Charlotte FC, according to L’Équipe. The transfer comes as a replacement for Wilfried Zaha, who has announced his departure from the club. This development has gained traction as discussions have progressed significantly, with Saint-Maximin expected to be signed as a designated player, allowing him to earn a salary exceeding the league's salary cap.
The move is particularly notable as Saint-Maximin's current contract with RC Lens is set to expire at the end of June. Charlotte FC, currently positioned sixth in the Eastern Conference, is eager to capitalize on this opportunity to strengthen their squad. The club aims to fill the gap left by Zaha, who was a key player for the team.
Saint-Maximin's career has taken a positive turn since he joined RC Lens earlier this year. After terminating his contract with Club America, he quickly made an impact in Ligue 1, scoring four goals and providing three assists in just 13 appearances during the second half of the season. His impressive performance also contributed to Lens winning the Coupe de France, marking the first title of his career.
Having joined Lens in February 2026, Saint-Maximin had a remarkable second half of the season, where he averaged a goal or assist every 79 minutes. His contributions helped solidify Lens's position in the league and showcased his potential to perform at a high level. The club management had hoped to retain him for the upcoming season, but the allure of playing in MLS proved too strong.
Charlotte FC's interest in Saint-Maximin has been long-standing. The club recognized early on that securing Zaha's services for the long term was improbable, leading them to identify the former Newcastle United star as a suitable replacement. The discussions between Charlotte and Lens have reportedly moved forward, though no formal offer has been made yet.
In the current season, Saint-Maximin has played 29 games, netting seven goals and providing five assists. His past experiences in the Premier League with Newcastle, where he made 124 appearances and scored 13 goals, have equipped him with the skills needed to thrive in MLS.
As the MLS transfer window progresses, Charlotte FC is expected to finalize the deal for Saint-Maximin soon, particularly as the player’s contract with Lens is set to expire shortly. The club is determined to secure his services, which would see him occupy one of the three designated player spots available, a strategic move that could significantly bolster their attacking options.
For RC Lens, losing Saint-Maximin would be a considerable setback. The club had invested in him after his stint in Mexico, and his departure would leave a void in their squad. Lens management is reportedly still exploring options to convince the winger to stay, but the growing interest from Charlotte FC complicates their efforts.
Fans of Charlotte FC are eagerly awaiting the official announcement, as securing a player of Saint-Maximin's caliber could be a game-changer for the franchise. His ability to create scoring opportunities and find the back of the net could provide the much-needed boost for the team's playoff aspirations as the season progresses.
If the deal is finalized, it will mark a new chapter in Saint-Maximin's career and signal Charlotte FC's commitment to building a competitive team in MLS. The timeline for the completion of the transfer remains uncertain, but all signs point toward an imminent announcement as the club seeks to make a statement in the league.
With the summer transfer window approaching, the next few weeks will be decisive for both Saint-Maximin and Charlotte FC. As the negotiations continue, fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see how this potential signing could influence the dynamics of the team and the league.