Charlotte FC Signs Midfielder Nikola Petković

The Serbian international joins the First Team on a U22 Initiative Contract after spending the 2023 season with Crown Legacy FC

CHARLOTTE, NC (Thursday, February 15, 2024) – Charlotte FC announced today the Club has signed Crown Legacy FC midfielder Nikola Petković to a contract until 2026 with an option in 2027.

Petković, 20, joins the Club via the U22 initiative and will occupy an international roster slot for 2024.

The Serbian international and U-21 captain joins Charlotte FC’s First Team following a season in MLS NEXT Pro with Crown Legacy FC. Petković made 10 starts in 12 appearances for CLFC and notched 3 goals and 4 assists.

“Nikola is an exciting player and rising international talent that we were able to bring into our system last season with Crown Legacy FC. He is a prime example of our strategic approach to MLS NEXT Pro. Identifying young, talented players and giving them the necessary time to adapt to our organization and life in Charlotte is a priority,” said General Manager Zoran Krneta. “Nikola is an excellent addition to our midfield options this season, and we are excited at the prospect of his development under Dean Smith and his staff. We believe in our unified approach and think our pathway will help him become a regular starter both in Major League Soccer and for the senior Serbian national team.”

In 2023, Petković made his Serbian National team debut in a 2-1 victory over the United States National Team on January 25, playing 81 minutes less than a month before he signed with Crown Legacy FC.

Throughout the 2023 season, the midfielder represented the Serbian U-21s. In total for Serbian youth international teams, he has made 33 appearances and most recently representing the Eagles in a 2-2 draw with Bulgaria in UEFA Under U-21 Euro Qualifiers.

The midfielder is a product FK Čukarički youth set up and made his European debut featuring in a Europa Conference League match in 2022.

PHOTOS: Charlotte FC Signs Midfielder Nikola Petković