Raheem Sterling has been on Charlotte FC’s radar for a while and now it looks like the English striker could continue his career in the United States as a free agent.
The 31-year-old Englishman is currently without a club after ending his stay at Feyenoord, and can thus negotiate freely with American clubs.
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Sterling’s contract situation makes a transfer far easier than usual – there is no club Charlotte has to negotiate with. His last contract was with Feyenoord, where he signed in February 2026 until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Can come to Charlotte for free
The main factor in the operation is financial. Sterling left Chelsea by mutual agreement on January 28, 2026 – a deal that was originally supposed to last until 2027 – and then chose Dutch football to continue his career.
Now he is once again free to choose his own destination. The striker has 82 caps and 20 goals for England, and has a track record that includes Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal – before he tried his hand outside English football for the first time.
Payroll and MLS rules become crucial
The move to the United States will largely depend on what salary Charlotte FC can offer. MLS has a budget cap for the senior squad, but allows overruns through so-called Designated Player spots – and these are already occupied by Charlotte.
The club currently has Pep Biel, Liel Abada and Allan Saint-Maximin in these places. The latter joined the club on July 13, 2026 on a three-year contract that lasts until 2028/29.
Charlotte has secured an international place
The American club has recently taken steps to expand the opportunities for foreign players. On September 2, Charlotte purchased an international player spot from Austin FC for $155,000 in General Allocation Money.
That doesn’t mean Sterling has already been signed, but it does give the club an extra spot for a foreign player – which is crucial if the transfer is to become a reality. Charlotte already has several foreign players in the squad, and Sterling will need to fill one of those spots.
A new start in the US?
For Sterling, a possible US adventure would mean the start of a new chapter, after a season marked by stints in both England and the Netherlands. The status as a free agent removes transfer fees, but salary negotiations will still be the main challenge.
MLS represents an exciting opportunity for the striker’s future career. Now it remains to be seen if Charlotte will be able to adapt the contract to the league’s financial rules – and if the interest can be turned into a concrete agreement.
Raheem Sterling can sign as a free agent, and Charlotte has already secured an extra international spot. But before anything is done, salary conditions and squad composition must be adapted to MLS regulations.
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