Transfer Tracker

Charlotte FC sign SuperDraft selections Tyger Smalls, Jahlane Forbes

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TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signings

Charlotte FC have signed winger Tyger Smalls and defender Jahlane Forbes through the 2024 MLS season with club options for 2025-27, the club announced Wednesday.

Both players were picked in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft ā€“ Smalls at No. 14 overall (first round) out of Loyola Marymount, then Forbes at No. 38 (second round) out of Wake Forest.

"Weā€™re delighted for both Tyger and Jahlane to sign their first professional contracts after a successful preseason. Both have come in and impressed Dean [Smith] and the rest of the coaching staff, and theyā€™ll add depth at their respective positions," general manager Zoran Krneta said in a statement.

"The SuperDraft is a great way to find talented players who can have an impact during their rookie season, and weā€™ve seen this during our first two seasons. We look forward to them entering our organization where our player pathway can help them maximize their potential."

Smalls contributed 7g/1a in 20 matches for Loyola Marymount. The 21-year-old England native's youth career started at Tottenham Hotspur and featured spells at Arsenal and Norwich City before moving to the United States.

Forbes, 21, earned All-ACC Second Team honors in 2023 and All-ACC Third Team honors in 2022. He had eight goals and 17 assists in 66 matches across four seasons. Internationally, Forbes has competed for the US at the U-17 level.

Charlotte FCā€™s other two SuperDraft selections ā€“ Jacob Babalai (Portland) and Nathan Richmond (Clemson) ā€“ have college eligibility remaining and returned to their respective schools with Charlotte FC retaining their MLS rights.