Lens winger Allan Saint-Maximin officially joins Charlotte FC on a free transfer..

Charlotte FC announced on their official website on Wednesday that Lens' French winger Allan Saint-Maximin has joined the club as a free agent.

According to the Major League Soccer (MLS) club's official statement, Saint-Maximin has signed on a three-year contract until the winter of 2029. He will also occupy one of the club's Designated Player (DP) registration spots.

Furthermore, according to The Athletic's resident renowned MLS chief reporter, Tom Bogert, Saint-Maximin had actually already agreed to join Charlotte FC before the start of the FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico.

The former Newcastle United star never had any approach with Venezia.

The rumour which the Italian online media outlet Trivenetogoal claimed that Saint-Maximin had initial approach with the newly promoted Serie A side is completely untrue.

About Alain Saint-Maximin

The 29-year-old Allan Saint-Maximin was born on March 12, 1997, in Châtenay-Malabry, France. He is 1.73 meters tall and primarily plays as a left winger, but can also play as a right winger or center forward. He holds French, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana citizenship.

Saint-Maximin played for the youth academy of non-league club Boulogne-Billancourt in his early years. He joined the Saint-Étienne youth academy in 2011 and completed his Saint-Étienne first-team debut by coming on as a substitute in September 2013.

On the 2015 summer transfer window deadline day, Saint-Maximin moved to Monaco for €5 million, but was immediately loaned-out to Hannover 96 and Bastia.

In August 2017, Saint-Maximin joined Nice for €10 million, officially beginning to make a name for himself in European football for his speed, explosiveness, and dribbling skills. He was even ranked as one of the players with the highest potential in the popular football game FIFA 17.

In August 2019, Saint-Maximin joined Newcastle United for €20 million.

During his four-year spell with the Magpies, Saint-Maximin helped the new Premier League giants reach the Carabao Cup final once.

In July 2023, Saint-Maximin joined Al-Ahli for £23 million.

The following July, Saint-Maximin was loaned-out to Fenerbahçe.

During his time with the club, he helped them reach the Europa League Rounds of 16 and the Turkish Cup Quarter-Finals, but his ownership was not bought out due to disagreements with management.

In August 2025, Saint-Maximin joined Club América for $12 million.

However, due to ongoing racial discrimination against himself, his family, and children, Saint-Maximin resolutely chose to terminate his contract and leave the club on the 2026 winter transfer window deadline day.

A week after leaving Club América, Saint-Maximin joined Lens as a free agent.

Last season, Saint-Maximin made 13 appearances for the Ligue 1 dark horse in all competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists, winning the Coupe de France with the team.

Image source: Internet / Charlotte FC official website