Charlotte FC are close to completing an audacious move to sign Fulham veteran Tim Ream, according to reports from America.
The North Carolina-based MLS outfit are seeking to bolster their playing squad after a strong start to the 2024 campaign under former Brentford and Aston Villa manager Dean Smith. Charlotte are fifth in the Eastern Conference and have opened talks with Ream, who is receptive to possibility of returning to his homeland after nine years at Craven Cottage. The 36 year-old signed a contract extension with the Whites last Christmas to extend his stay in SW6 until next summer.
The popular defender has made 312 appearances for Fulham since signing from Bolton Wanderers in September 2015. Ream’s longevity makes him the 24th highest appearance maker in Fulham’s 145-year history. He convinced Slavisa Jokanovic to retain his services after being told he had no future under the Serbian in 2016 and became a pivotal part of three Championship promotion-winning sides. Most astonishingly of all, Ream became a key figure as Marco Silva’s side finished in the top half of the Premier League in 2023 and started twelve of the first thirteen league games last season, captaining the side in the absence of Tom Cairney.
Ream, who has won 56 caps for his country and played every minute as the United States reached the second round of the World Cup in 2022, aspires to play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged in the States, Canada and Mexico. He found his first-team opportunities diminished by the impressive form of Calvin Bassey and is likely to get more frequent game time with Charlotte.
Time might be right for him to move on now as he is 36 and Bassey is now the starting left sided centre back. With him and Tosin leaving,We now need two cenre backs in the Summer !!!
Unfortunately I have to agree with Baljit – it might be the right time for our captain to move on. He has been a wonderful servant over the years – sometimes reminding me of Sir Robert Moore in the way he apparently effortlessly knew what was happening in front of him and where he should be. I will miss the ‘REAM!!!’ shouts and it will give me another team to watch in the MLS, but it is now time to move forwards and look towards European qualification again. I liked the look of Teden Mengi at Luton – TK is going to have to ‘get his finger out’ this window or we will just be treading water.
He has been a great servant to Fulham and this I think would be a great career finale for him. Hope it works out and he gets to finish his playing career in his home country.
Oh Captain, my Captain!!
Captain in name only!