30-year-old right back with over 400 professional appearances in English football joins CLTFC
CHARLOTTE, NC (Thursday, Augsut 4, 2022) – Charlotte FC today announced the Club has signed defender Nathan Byrne to a contract until 2024 with an option for 2025. The move is pending receipt of a P-1 visa and ITC.
The 30-year-old right back will occupy an international roster slot on the Club’s 2022 roster.
Byrne appeared in 373 league games in the English Championship and League One totaling 15 goals and 44 assists across the two divisions. He’s played the last four full seasons in the Championship with Wigan Athletic and Derby County.
The Englishman started 41 out of 46 league games in each of the last two Championship seasons for Derby County where he teamed up with current CLTFC player Kamil Jozwiak.
He also brings to Charlotte significant cup experience including a magical run to the FA Cup Quarterfinals with then League One side Wigan Athletic which saw Byrne play all 180 minutes in back-to-back upsets over Premier League sides West Ham United and Manchester City.
“Nathan is a well-rounded, versatile right back who has proven his ability in a very competitive and physical English Championship. He is a top pro who brings added veteran leadership to our dressing room,” said Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “His experience will provide valuable competition in the squad as we continue to add pieces to our roster to continue to build on our competitive foundation moving forward.”
The Tottenham Hotspur academy product broke through in League One with Swindon Town in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. He particularly shone in his second season, reaching double-digit assists (10) and adding three goals.
Following brief spells with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic, Byrne helped Wigan Athletic earn promotion from League One to the English Championship with six assists in 44 games. He then established himself at the Championship level as a full-time starter at Wigan for two years.
An eight-assist, one-goal season in 2019-20 sealed a move to Derby County, where he continued to be a strong two-way presence for Wayne Rooney’s side. His teammates named him Players’ Player of the Year following the 2021-22 season.
Transaction: Charlotte FC sign defender Nathan Byrne
Name: Nathan Byrne
Position: Defender
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 155 lbs
Date of Birth: June 5, 1992
Age: 30
Birthplace: St Albans, England
Last Club: Derby County
How Acquired: Signed to contract
