Charlotte MLS expansion team has its first signing in Sergio Ruiz

It may not have a name, but Charlotte’s MLS expansion team does have its first player.

Just days after Austin FC signed its first-ever player, the other 2021 MLS expansion team, Charlotte, has followed suit. Earlier today, the unnamed franchise announced its initial signing: Spanish midfielder Sergio Ruiz.

Ruiz rose through the rankings in Spain, primarily through his success on the reserve team of his former home, Racing de Santander in the Seguna Division, second-fiddle to La Liga. Ruiz’s six goals and seven assists in the 2018-19 season earned a promotion to the top squad this past year, where he added 31 appearances to his resume.

Ruiz spent the last four years of his career with Racing de Santander, with 127 cumulative appearances resulting in eight goals. The team sits at the bottom of the Seguna standings, though, and is due for relegation to La Liga 3, marking the perfect time for the 25-year-old midfielder to make his move to Charlotte ahead of its first season in the MLS.

Sergio Ruiz is the first player heading to Charlotte’s MLS team.

In reference to the signing, Charlotte sporting director Zoran Krneta said the following,

"“We are laying down the foundations of a competitive and winning team, and Ruiz is the ideal player to start with … He is a natural leader and an intelligent, versatile midfielder, who will be joining Charlotte MLS in his prime.”"

Club scouting director Thomas Schaling and Ruiz himself echoed similar words as the Charlotte organization gains momentum. The team was scheduled for a name reveal last month, but delayed it due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Regardless, the team does have a home at the Bank of America stadium as it hopes to build off the growth of other MLS expansion teams, and Ruiz looks to be a good start.