Athletico has signed 24-year-old Colombian winger Kerwin Vargas from Charlotte FC. The transfer is valued at approximately 8 million dollars, including fixed fees and variables, and Vargas will sign a contract until 2030. Other Brazilian clubs, including Grêmio, Corinthians, São Paulo, and Santos, had also shown interest in Vargas, but the project presented by the Paranaense team was the reason for his decision. Vargas joined the MLS side in May 2022. He has 2 caps and 2 goals for Colombia's U23 team. In the 2025/2026 Major League Soccer season, he made 15 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €3.50m.