22-year-old Colombian winger has six goals and six assists in 52 league appearances for CLTFC
CHARLOTTE, NC (Thursday, May 9, 2024) – Charlotte FC today announced that forward Kerwin Vargas has signed a new contract with the Club through 2027 with a Club option for 2028.
"I am really happy to be staying with Charlotte FC,” said Vargas. “I think that it's a great organization and Club to be with, and I am extremely happy to be here and for what's to come."
Vargas has the fourth-most all-time appearances (60) for Charlotte FC since joining the Club in May 2022. In MLS play, he has scored six goals and added six assists in 52 regular season appearances.
“We’re excited to secure Kerwin’s long-term future with Charlotte FC and sign him to a new contract that will begin in 2025,” said General Manager Zoran Krneta. “Since signing with us as a 20-year-old, Kerwin has earned his place as valuable member of our attack and received his first call-up to the Colombia youth national team. This new contract is a milestone for the Club as he becomes our first U-22 initiative player to re-sign with us and demonstrates our commitment to developing and rewarding young international players through this roster mechanism.”
Vargas was originally signed in May 2022 from C.D. Feirense of Portugal, where he broke through to the first team from their academy. The Colombian native was signed as a U-22 Initiative player, which allows teams to secure top young prospects for a reduced salary budget charge. For more information on the U-22 Initiative and MLS Roster Rules and Regulations, please click here.
The winger will continue to occupy a U-22 Initiative slot for the remainder of 2024 before the new contract takes effect in 2025. Additionally, he does not occupy an international slot after obtaining his green card before the 2024 season.
Vargas most notably scored the match-winning goal against Inter Miami CF on Decision Day in 2023 – sealing CLTFC’s first-ever playoff berth – before scoring an incredible bicycle kick against the New York Red Bulls in the subsequent Wild Card Playoff match. He scored three goals over the last three matches of the 2023 season, including playoffs.
In 2024, Vargas has started all ten matches to begin the season and opened his goalscoring account in a 3-2 home win over Toronto FC on April 13.
He added a second goal to that total with the opener against New York City FC on April 27.
