In a surprising turn of events, USMNT defender Tim Ream has officially completed his move from Fulham to Charlotte FC, as reported by The Athletic. Fans of both clubs have been buzzing with excitement over this transfer, which has been in the works for quite some time.
The journey to Ream’s new home in Charlotte began with a medical examination in the United States, signaling that talks between Charlotte and Fulham were progressing smoothly. The deal involved Ream, who had a year left on his Fulham contract, moving to Charlotte on a free transfer as a gesture of goodwill from Fulham, recognizing his years of dedicated service to the club.
With his new contract running through 2026 with an option for 2027, Ream expressed his eagerness to contribute to Charlotte’s upcoming matches, starting with a showdown against New York Red Bulls on August 24. “I’m here to win, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the team as we prepare for a key stretch of matches that will propel us toward the playoffs as we fight for our first trophy,” Ream said enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, Fulham wasted no time in securing a replacement for Ream, announcing the signing of Villarreal central defender Jorge Cuenca for a reported fee of €6.3 million. This move paved the way for Ream’s departure, which was imminent as negotiations between the player and the clubs reached a conclusion.
Having not joined the Fulham squad for their pre-season trip to Portugal last week, Ream’s absence signaled the beginning of the end of his nine-year tenure at the club. Returning to Major League Soccer (MLS) after a decade-long absence, Ream’s move to Charlotte marks a significant milestone in his career, as he had previously played for New York Red Bulls before heading to England.
During his time at Fulham, which began in 2015 after joining from Bolton Wanderers, Ream made a lasting impact with 312 appearances. His late-career resurgence under coach Marco Silva garnered attention from the USMNT, earning him a spot in the squad for the 2022 World Cup and this summer’s Copa America.
Reflecting on his time at Fulham, Ream expressed gratitude for the memories he created and the relationships he formed. “When I walked through the Motspur Park doors in 2015, I would have never predicted what the following nine years would bring,” Ream shared. “The memories made, the connections formed, and the people met along the way have made my time at Fulham more than special.”
As he embarks on this new chapter with Charlotte FC, fans eagerly await Ream’s contributions on the field, while Fulham supporters bid farewell to a player who will always hold a special place in the club’s history.
