Charlotte FC Takes a Risk, João Pedro Grows? | OneFootball

João Pedro, the 21-year-old center-back for Charlotte FC, has just been loaned to Rio Ave FC in Portugal, where he'll stay until July this year. For many, this move seems like a no-brainer, almost like the obvious next step for a young player looking for more minutes on the field and a tougher challenge.

In his first season with Charlotte FC, João Pedro made seven appearances, showing flashes of his talent but not quite enough to secure a regular starting spot. Before that, he looked solid with Crown Legacy FC, Charlotte’s affiliate team in MLS NEXT Pro, where the competition’s a bit easier and the stakes lower. But now, he's making a big leap to the high-stakes world of Portuguese soccer.

The Portuguese league might get overlooked by fans whose eyes are glued to the Premier League, La Liga, or Serie A, but it’s a hotbed for young talent to shine. Clubs like Porto, Benfica, and Sporting are well-known for polishing up world-class gems. And while Rio Ave isn’t on the same level, it still faces off against these heavyweights regularly, meaning João Pedro will be up against tough competition, improving his positioning, and learning to be craftier on the field.

So, is Charlotte rushing things with him? After all, defenders usually hit their peak a little later than forwards or midfielders. Maybe those seven games weren’t enough to show what he’s truly capable of. And let’s be honest, Charlotte’s defense isn’t exactly a fortress. A young player with the potential to grow could be a real asset, not a liability.

It’s better to have João Pedro getting valuable minutes abroad than sitting on the bench in North Carolina, right? The tricky part is that Charlotte FC is heading into its second season under coach Dean Smith, and you’d think each player would be carefully considered to help strengthen the squad. Sending a promising defender overseas at this point feels, at best, like a bold move.