Vargas departs the Club for one of the largest transfer fees in club history
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Thursday, July 30, 2026) - Charlotte FC today announced winger Kerwin Vargas has joined Athletico Paranaense of the Brazilian First Division on a permanent transfer. Charlotte FC also retains a sell-on percentage for Vargas.
“Kerwin is the consummate professional and worked hard to develop into the player he is today. His play for Charlotte FC has caught the eye of many clubs across the world, and it’s no secret that we have turned down multiple bids in previous seasons. After this latest offer and interest from Athletico Paranaense, we spoke with Kerwin and his representatives and now feel a sale is in the best interest of all parties,” said General Manager Zoran Krneta. “We have had the pleasure of watching Kerwin mature both on and off the field since our inaugural season. Everyone at the Club wishes him and his family the best of luck in Brazil and throughout the rest of his career. We hope to see him in a Colombian national team jersey.”
Vargas signed as the Club’s second U-22 Initiative player on May 2, 2022, and has appeared in 17 matches with three goals and four assists this season. The Colombian winger amassed 37 goal contributions in 147 matches played across the last four-plus seasons.
Vargas had his most productive season for The Crown last year, tallying a career-best 12 goal contributions across all competitions with eight goals and four assists. He played all 42 matches for The Crown during the 2025 season.
In 2024, the forward began to work his way into the starting XI, making appearances in 38 matches and starting in 34. Vargas scored six goals on the year and contributed one assist. He led the team in shots in league play with a total of 62.
Vargas continued to break through in his sophomore season, appearing in 36 matches overall for CLTFC. The Colombian scored five goals on the year and contributed five assists in MLS play, which tied him for second most in the squad. Vargas scored the match-winning goal against Inter Miami CF on Decision Day that clinched the Club’s first playoff berth. In the subsequent match against New York Red Bulls, the forward scored an electrifying bicycle kick for his first playoff goal.
In his first season with The Crown, Vargas appeared in 16 matches across all competitions and recorded one assist in the Club’s 3-2 victory at Chicago Fire FC. He made his MLS debut off the bench on May 25 in a 2-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
