Lens’ Allan Saint-Maximin reaches agreement with Charlotte to join the MLS

Allan Saint-Maximin (29) is reportedly set to leave RC Lens to join Major League Soccer, according to information from L’Équipe.

The French winger is said to have agreed to join Charlotte FC as a ‘designated player’ – one of three players per club allowed to earn a salary higher than the league’s salary cap – replacing Wilfried Zaha (33), who has already announced his departure from North Carolina.

Having joined Lens last February following the termination of his contract with Mexican side Club America, Saint-Maximin produced an outstanding second half of the season, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 13 appearances for Les Sang et Or. His spell with the northern club also saw him win the first title of his career, the Coupe de France.

Although the Lens management had hoped to keep him for next season, the lure of the MLS ultimately proved too strong for their ambitions.