TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Loan
Charlotte FC have loaned midfielder Brandt Bronico to USL Championship side Charlotte Independence, the club announced Wednesday.
Bronico, 25, was acquired in a trade from Chicago Fire FC in December and is one of four players on Charlotte's inaugural roster. He made 66 MLS appearances over four seasons with Chicago, including 10 appearances (three starts) in 2020. The Fire declined Bronico's 2021 contract option after the season.
“The Charlotte Independence is a perfect fit for Brandt,” sporting director Zoran Krneta said in a club statement. “Not only does the loan provide an opportunity for Charlotte soccer fans to see him in action, but the USL represents a competitive league environment. We believe Brandt will help our neighbors at the Independence this season, and will return ready for our preseason in January 2022.”
A North Carolina native, Bronico is happy to remain in the area ahead of Charlotte's expansion campaign, set for 2022.
“I wanted to be back in Charlotte playing soccer, so I’m grateful to be signing on loan with the Independence this year,” said Bronico. “It means a lot to be able to remain in the city, and I’m thrilled to continue my journey within Charlotte’s growing soccer community.”
All four Charlotte signings are on loan. Sergio Ruiz is in Spain with UD Las Palmas, Riley McGree in England with Birmingham City, Jan Sobociński in Poland with LKS Lodz and now Bronico with the Independence.
