Charlotte FC’s Smith urges Agyemang to stay in MLS over UK move

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith made it known he has discouraged star striker Patrick Agyemang from transferring to Derby County of the English Championship, despite a deal between the clubs appearing imminent.

Smith said Agyemang, who did not take part in training on Thursday, is still a member of the club while Charlotte and Derby County work out the particulars of the transfer, which would reportedly net Charlotte an $8 million fee.

But Smith said when discussing the potential move with Agyemang he told the 24-year-old it would be best for him to stay stateside instead of move to England’s second-best league.

“I don’t think he should,” Smith said. “I want him to stay here. But it’s up to the player to make the decision. As long as it’s the player making the decision and not the representative. I did remind Patrick that agents work for you and not the other way around. I think the Championship is not too much different from MLS. This is major league over here. You’re going to a second league in the U.K.”

Agyemang has been Charlotte’s leading scorer across the last two seasons, after being developed with the club’s MLS Next Pro squad, Crown Legacy FC.

In 2025, he’s taken a star turn with the United States Men’s National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as well.

Smith said the club and Agyemang could not come to a long-term deal.

“I thought the club made fair offers in January,” Smith said. “His representatives had a totally different idea, which is out of the ballpark for this football club.”

While a deal gets hammered out, Agyemang remains a part of Charlotte FC, and could still be available for selection in Saturday night’s home match against New York City FC.

Contact Nick Carboni at ncarboni@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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