MLS Insider: Tom Bogert

Charlotte FC sign Uruguayan center back Guzman Corujo

UPDATE — Wednesday, 12pm ET: It's official: Charlotte FC have signed defender Guzman Corujo to a three-year contract, the club announced Wednesday. The deal includes a one-year club option.

“We’re very excited for Guzmán to be part of our inaugural roster and to sign a player of his quality from a top team in South America for free is a tremendous success. He is an experienced defender with a competitive, winning mentality who is entering the prime of his career,” sporting director Zoran Krneta said in a club statement. “Guzmán is a well-rounded center back that brings a physical style to his defending and is excellent in winning aerial duels. He complements the defenders we currently have on our roster and is an excellent addition to the spine of our team as we continue to build towards 2022.”

ORIGINAL— Monday, 12pm ET: Charlotte FC have signed Uruguayan center back Guzman Corujo to a pre-contract, sources tell MLSsoccer.com. Corujo's deal with Charlotte will start on January 1.

Corujo, 25, was with Club Nacional and his contract was due to expire at the end of the year. But the Uruguayan club announced today they terminated the final three months of his deal after he signed his pre-contract with Charlotte. He made 104 appearances with Nacional and won two league titles.

The defender was a product of Nacional's academy and spent his entire career with his boyhood club to date. No word on when Corujo will join up with Charlotte.

Corujo is Charlotte's seventh player on their inaugural roster. He follows defenders Christian Fuchs, Adam Armour and Jan Sobociński, and midfielders Brandt Bronico, Sergio Ruiz and Riley McGree.

Charlotte named Miguel Angel Ramirez as their first head coach in July and begin play in MLS as an expansion side in 2022.