Fulham stalwart Tim Ream closing in on Charlotte FC transfer as defensive options dwindle

Fulham defender Tim Ream is in advanced talks to join Major League Soccer (MLS) side Charlotte FC.

The USA international turns 37 in October and started just one of Fulham’s last 13 games this season.

He signed a contract extension in December which runs until June 2025, but Charlotte are now exploring a move this summer.

They are managed by former Brentford and Aston Villa boss Dean Smith.

Ream’s exit would make him the second centre-back to leave Fulham this summer, with Tosin Adarabioyo set to join rivals Chelsea on a free transfer.

Ream and Adarabioyo have been Marco Silva’s preferred centre-back pairing for much of his Fulham tenure and their departures would leave Calvin Bassey and Issa Diop as the only senior central defenders at the club.

Silva said last month that Fulham must sign at least two centre-backs this summer to remain competitive in the Premier League next term.

Ream joined Fulham from Bolton in 2015 and has made 312 appearances in nine years with the Cottagers.

He has earned 56 caps for the United States since his international debut in 2010, winning the CONCACAF Nations League with the USA in both 2021 and 2024.

Fulham are monitoring a number of centre-back options as they gear up towards a summer revamp in defence.