The Seattle Sounders are close to finalizing a loan for Charlotte FC midfielder Nikola Petković, Sounder at Heart has learned. The Sounders would have a buy-option at the end of the season on the 22-year-old, making it a relatively low-risk move that will bolster their midfield depth.
Petković currently carries a U22 Initiative tag and occupies an international roster spot. He was first signed by Charlotte FC’s MLS Next Pro-affiliate Crown Legacy in 2023 on a transfer fee of more than $3 million. Then 19, Petković had just earned his first Serbia national team cap after making at least 35 appearances for various Serbia youth national teams. It was more than twice as much as any team had spent to sign a player directly to MLS Next Pro, and has since only been eclipsed by two other Crown Legacy signings.
Jeremiah Oshan
