Charlotte FC have announced the signing of Allan Saint-Maximin after leaving Ligue 1 side Lens at the end of last season. 

Saint-Maximin has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the MLS side, and is signed to a designated player contract, taking the roster spot previously held by Wilfried Zaha.

The 29-year-old joins Dean Smith's side fresh from helping Lens finish second behind Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, while also leading them to Coupe de France glory. 

During his time with Lens, Saint-Maximin made 13 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals as well as providing three assists. 

Saint-Maximin also completed the joint-fourth-most dribbles (21) for Lens despite only joining in February, but he is now keen on becoming a "legend" at Charlotte.

"The idea is to stay, not to stay only for three years," Saint-Maximin said. "I have a three-year contract, but if I can stay more, I really want to create a legacy here.

"That was my decision. This club really offered me the opportunity to become a legend here. So, that's exactly what I want, and it’s exactly what I know I'm capable of doing."

Saint-Maximin joins a Charlotte side that have had a mixed start to their 2026 MLS campaign, with the Crown currently sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference after 15 matches. 

Charlotte have scored just 24 goals this season, and the club's general manager, Zoran Krneta, is confident the Frenchman can provide that spark in the final third. 

"Maxi is an elite attacking talent who has consistently performed at the highest levels of our sport, including in the Premier League," Krneta said.  

"We're delighted to bring a player of his quality to Charlotte while he is in the prime of his career.

"His creativity, speed, technical ability and flair make him immediately one of the most exciting players in Major League Soccer.

"Adding a player with his pedigree, experience, and winning mentality will bolster our attacking options and strengthen the team overall."

Charlotte resume their MLS campaign following the World Cup break on July 22, with the Bank of America Stadium the venue for their clash with Atlanta United.