Charlotte FC's top 10 highest-paid players
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From left: Karol Siderski, Liel Abada and Pep Biel are Charlotte FC's three highest-paid players. Photo: David Jensen/Getty Images
Charlotte FC forward Liel Abada remains the club's highest paid player with $2.5 million guaranteed compensation, data in the MLS Players Association's fall salary guide shows.
Why it matters: Charlotte FC prides itself on not going after big-name players like Inter Miami star forward Lionel Messi, the highest-paid player in the league, but instead finding players that fit the culture and playing style the young club is cultivating.
Driving the news: The MLS Players Association recently released its fall salary guide, which includes a player's base salary and guaranteed compensation as of Sept. 13.
State of play: After Abada, forward Karol Świderski and midfielder Pep Biel rank No. 2 and 3 for Charlotte FC with $2.3 million and $2.2 million guaranteed compensation respectively.
- Abada, Świderski and Biel aren't subject to standard MLS salary cap rules. The latter are designated players (DP). Abada is what's called a young DP.
- Świderski rejoined the team after a loan in Italy he was not expected to return from. Biel was brought in on loan over the summer, and Charlotte FC has an option to buy his contract after the season.
- United States men's national team defender Tim Ream also joined the club over the summer. Ream comes in at No. 6 ($577,750) among Charlotte's top 10 highest-paid players.
- Midfielder Jamie Patterson, another summer signing, comes in at No. 9 ($534,444).
Zoom in: Three players who were among Charlotte FC's highest paid have since departed the club: midfielder Brecht Dejaegere, forward Enzo Copetti and midfielder Scott Arfield who were previously No. 3, 4 and 9 respectively.
By the numbers: The club's total base salary rose from $13.4 million in the spring to $14.3 million. Total guaranteed compensation is up from $14.5 million to $15.5 million.
The big picture Charlotte FC is spending money on players who are contributing. Abada has scored seven goals, the second highest on the team.
Yes, but: Patrick Agyemang, the club's leading scorer with 10 goals and five assists, makes $71,401, as he is a 2023 MLS Super Draft pick and occupies a supplemental roster spot. His contract is through 2024 with options for 2025 and 2026.
What's next: Charlotte FC hosts Orlando City on Friday, Nov. 1, at 7:30pm in match two of the first round of the playoffs. Tickets start at $20. It will be the first home playoff match for a major league team in Charlotte since 2016.
- Charlotte FC lost 2-0 in Orlando on Sunday during the first match of the best-of-three playoff series.
What we're watching: Biel received red card Sunday in Orlando. Charlotte FC has appealed Biel's red card, meaning the midfielder may yet be eligible for Friday's playoff match.