Are Charlotte FC set for record-breaking Luciano Rodríguez transfer?

Major League Soccer franchise Charlotte FC could be about to make a transfer-market splash by signing Uruguayan starlet Luciano Rodríguez.

According to widespread reports, Charlotte are ready to shell out a club-record sum - and one of MLS’ highest ever transfer fees - for the Liverpool Montevideo forward.

The Athletic adds that Rodríguez, who was an Under-20 World Cup winner with Uruguay in 2023, is keen on a move to the North American league, having seen potential switches to Europe and Argentina fall through in January.

How much would Luciano Rodríguez cost?

As Diario AS reported last month, the 20-year-old was a target for Dutch champions Feyenoord and Argentinian league winners River Plate, but neither club managed to bring talks with Liverpool Montevideo to a successful conclusion.

The Uruguayan domestic title holders valued Rodríguez at $15 million, and also sought to include a 15% to 20% sell-on clause in the transfer. River came closest to agreeing a deal, offering an initial $8 million plus 50% of any future transfer fee they received for the player.

Liverpool Montevideo’s healthy financial state means they are under no pressure to sell. Club sources say Rodríguez will only be allowed to leave for a sum close to the asking price set by Los Negriazules in January.

In 36 appearances for Liverpool Montevideo, Rodríguez has scored 10 goals and supplied six assists. While yet to be capped at senior international level, the youngster has played four times for Uruguay’s Under-23s, netting twice.

Who are MLS, Charlotte’s record signings?

Currently, the most expensive player in MLS is Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada, who joined the Five Stripes for $16 million from Vélez Sarsfield in 2022. Charlotte’s record signing is Enzo Copetti, who left Racing Club de Avellaneda for North Carolina in a $6.3 million transfer in 2023.