Charlotte FC have meticulously constructed their expansion season roster, crescendoing to Wednesdayâs news of landing their first-ever Designated Player.
The MLS newcomers for 2022 have signed striker Karol Ĺwiderski from Greek side PAOK, a Polish international whoâs joined long-term (deal through 2025, option for 2026).
And how sporting director Zoran Krneta sees it, CTLFC have an attacking centerpiece.
âSpecial player,â the Serbian said succinctly. âItâs a perfect fit for sure, perfect fit for what weâre trying to do here.â
Ĺwiderskiâs arrival is the latest in a trend of Polish youth and senior internationals coming to MLS, with the 25-year-old mentioning New England Revolution striker Adam Buksa and New York Red Bulls forward Patryk Klimala as friends he spoke with before putting pen to paper. He also noted former Chicago Fire FC midfielder PrzemysĹaw Frankowski, who last August was transferred to Ligue 1 club RC Lens.
Those conversations helped Ĺwiderski, amid interest from Italian Serie A sides, connect with the front-foot system head coach Miguel Angel Ramirez plans to implement.
âThey say itâs fantastic, a fantastic league,â Ĺwiderski remarked. âAnd also I can improve here and always I can come back to Europe. But I am so happy to be here now.â
Ĺwiderskiâs time at PAOK was marked by 35 goals and 14 assists in 135 appearances, including the 2018-19 Super League Greece title and two Greek Cups. For Poland, his six goals in 14 matches are the byproduct of a key role in World Cup Qualifiers and last summerâs Euro 2020 championship.
A goal-scorer first and foremost, Ĺwiderski hopes to supplement an attack that's currently highlighted by winger Cristian âTitiâ Ortiz, Peru international Yordy Reyna and U22 Initiative forward Vinicius Mello.
âIâm not like a normal No. 9 who stays only in the box,â Ĺwiderski said. âI think I can play out of the box. I keep with the ball and can play also with small games.â
Krneta assured that more additions are on the way, too, particularly of the DP variety (as many as two more). Ecuador international midfielder Jordy AlcĂvar is currently a Young DP, though that classification could change come roster compliance day.
âWeâre looking for more,â Krneta said. âThere will be more DPs, we have options and this is why we build the club and the roster in a way that we can cherry-pick, if you like, at the end of the roster-building who we want. ⌠These very good players, itâs not easy to get these players over the line. Thereâs always an issue or two. But hopefully soon weâll add one or two more players.â
Further DPs would supplement a core that's been crafted through various means: trades, the Expansion Draft, the SuperDraft, free agency and the international market. The likes of goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, defender Anton Walkes and midfielder Sergio Ruiz all stand out as a result.
As key signings are finalized, Ĺwiderski is relishing the opportunity â and natural pressure â that awaits him in Charlotte.
"America, this was my dream also," Ĺwiderski said. "Iâm so happy to be here."