4 weeks ago
28
Winter transfer
©IMAGO
English Championship side Middlesbrough have signed center-back Adilson Malanda from Charlotte FC. The Major League Soccer club will receive $8 million (€6.9m) plus the usual add-ons for the 23-year-old French center-back. Together with Patrick Agyemang, who was sold to Derby County earlier this season, Malanda is now the most expensive outgoing transfer in Charlotte FC history. Malanda will be loaned back to Charlotte FC for the remainder of the 2025 MLS season.
“Adilson has been a true professional since setting foot in Charlotte, and throughout this process, where we worked together to get a deal that worked for both the Club and the player,” Charlotte FC general manager Zoran Krneta said. “There were multiple top clubs that sent us strong offers for Adi, but in the end, this option allowed us to keep him through the end of the season as we push for the top four. His career path shows that Charlotte FC is the right place for young players to come and develop into sought-after players from clubs all around the world.”
Charlotte FC originally signed Malanda from Ligue 2 side Rodez back in 2022. Since his arrival, Malanda has consistently been one of the most reliable center-backs in MLS. Tall and athletic, Malanda has managed two goals and two assists in 94 games across all competitions for Charlotte FC. This season, Malanda has scored once in 27 games, and with the Frenchman anchoring the backline, Charlotte are on course to reach the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Adilson Malanda to Middlesbrough – What sort of player is he?
What sort of player is Malanda? As mentioned, Malanda is tall and very athletic. Despite his 6’4’ frame, Malanda is able to move very quickly on the pitch. Malanda is also very good in the air. What also stands out is that despite his young age, Malanda already has 94 competitive games under his belt for Charlotte FC. Indeed, the Frenchman is one of the leaders in the MLS side, and every season he has been regularly named among the best players in his position by his professional peers and pundits.
