MLS expansion team Charlotte FC announced the signing of Croatian goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina from Bulgarian side Ludogorets Razgrad. His contract is set until 2024 with an option for 2025.
The move is pending receipt of a P-1 visa and ITC. The 29-year-old goalkeeper will occupy an international roster slot in the club’s inaugural roster.
Kahlina will join Charlotte FC ahead of their debut Major League Soccer season, kicking off on February 26 against D.C. United.
“Kristijan is a well-rounded goalkeeper that fits into our game model. He makes good decisions when the ball is at his feet and compliments that with good aerial play and shot stopping,” said Sporting Director Zoran Krneta.
“He comes to us with experience in European competition and is excited for the challenge of playing in Major League Soccer.”
Prior to joining Charlotte, the Croatian started 10 league matches this season and featured in Champions League qualifying rounds and the Europa League group stage.
Overall, Kahlina made 36 appearances across all competitions, recording 13 clean sheets over his year-and-a-half spell with Ludogorets. He joined at the end of the 2020/21 season, starting the club’s final five league matches to help Ludogorets win their tenth consecutive Bulgarian title.
The Croatian also formed part of HNK Gorica, serving as the starting goalkeeper for five years. Kahlina led them to promotion to the Croatian first division in his second year and was named captain starting in 2019. Across 157 matches at Gorica, Kahlina kept 53 clean sheets.
