UPDATE (Jan. 11) – Charlotte FC have acquired forward Enzo Copetti from Argentine Primera División side Racing Club, the club announced Wednesday.
Copetti, who turns 27 next week, joins as a Designated Player and has signed through the 2025 MLS season with a club option for 2026. He joins Poland international forwards Karol Swiderski and Kamil Jozwiak as Charlotte's three DPs.
Copetti enjoyed a breakout two seasons with Racing Club after joining in 2021; last year, he posted 21 goals and six assists in 47 appearances across all competitions.
"We’re delighted to complete the permanent signing of Enzo to become our next Designated Player," sporting director Zoran Krneta said in a release. "He’s a clinical goalscorer for one of the biggest clubs in Argentina and we are confident his physical profile and skillset will translate well to Major League Soccer."
Copetti is a hard-working, clinical center forward who will take the No. 9 role as Swiderski slots into the second forward/No. 10 role he excelled at during the stretch of Charlotte's expansion season (2022). The addition gives the club another high-level attacker to pair with Swiderski, alongside their group of wingers.
"Securing a top striker entering the prime of his career is a big achievement for the club," Krneta said. "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.”
Behind Copetti and Swiderski, Charlotte have U22 Initiative forward Vinicius Mello. Andre Shinyashiki can also play through the center, but has often been used on the wing.
Heading into Lattanzio's first full year at the helm, Copetti is the crown jewel of Charlotte's offseason. They've also signed English midfielder Ashley Westwood on a free transfer from former Premier League side Burnley, plus traded up to select defender Hamady Diop with the No. 1 pick at the 2023 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas.
Charlotte open their 2023 season when hosting the New England Revolution for Matchday 1 on Feb. 25 (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
ORIGINAL (Dec. 5) – Charlotte FC have reached a verbal agreement with Racing Club to acquire forward Enzo Copetti, sources confirm to MLSsoccer.com.
CL Merlo first reported the talks. Sources add the deal would be around $6 million if it gets done. It is pending a medical and final details before being officially completed.
Copetti, who turns 27 next month, scored 21 goals in 47 games across all competitions in 2022. He was Racing Club’s top scorer as they finished second, behind Boca Juniors, in the 2022 Argentine Primera División table.
The center forward would be Charlotte's third Designated Player, alongside Polish international forwards Kamil Jóźwiak and Karol Świderski. Jozwiak can be bought down to free up another DP spot if the club desired. Former DP midfielder Jordy Alcivar was recently transferred to Ecuador's Independiente del Valle, opening a spot.
Charlotte's path forward
Charlotte, gearing up for their second MLS campaign, named interim head coach Christian Lattanzio as their full-time head coach this offseason. During their expansion season, Charlotte finished six points below the Eastern Conference’s Audi MLS Cup Playoffs line (ninth place).
The club added center back Adilson Malanda, right back Nathan Byrne and midfielder Nuno Santos last summer as they continue to tweak the roster.
Charlotte, renowned for a vast scouting network, would have attacking depth beyond their three DPs. U22 Initiative signings Vinicius Mello and Kerwin Vargas are both promising talents, while Daniel Rios and Andre Shinyashiki are MLS-experienced pieces.
Copetti would join the likes of New England Revolution striker Gustavo Bou and New York City FC midfielder Maxi Moralez as Racing Club alums in MLS.
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