CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Friday the club had signed midfielder Johnny Klein ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Klein joins the Battery’s 2025 roster after starting his professional career with St. Louis CITY SC of Major League Soccer. The 25-year-old made 16 appearances for CITY SC across all competitions recording one goal and one assist. He also saw action for reserve side St. Louis CITY2 in MLS NEXT Pro, where he recorded 19 goals and 10 assists in 48 appearances across two seasons.

“The Battery drew my interest as a potential landing spot because of their excellent results and achievements throughout the past few seasons,” said Klein. “They are a top USL club and a group I wanted to be a part of.

“I’m most looking forward to being a part of a club that is adamant about chasing trophies year in and year out. Additionally, I am excited to experience the soccer community and culture in Charleston.”

A native of Columbia, Missouri, Klein enjoyed a prolific rookie season in 2023 with CITY2. The midfielder tallied 13 goals and four assists across 28 games in his first professional season in MLS NEXT Pro. Klein then recorded six goals and six assists in 20 appearances with CITY2 in his sophomore season while splitting time with the first team.

“Johnny is a player who fits our club’s style almost to perfection as he is constantly active around the opponents’ goal,” said Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “We are thrilled to have him in our club and can’t wait for him to push every day. He was at the top of the league in creating chances and has some of the country's best pressing instincts and production.

“Johnny has a great attitude and wants to do whatever it takes to help his teammates win.”

Klein played collegiately at St. Louis University from 2018 to 2022. His senior season, he was named Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year and was a four-time all-conference selection for the Billikens. Klein finished his SLU career 16th in school history with 85 career points (29 goals and 27 assists) and led the NCAA in total assists (15) and assists per game (0.75) in 2021.

Prior to turning pro, Klein also competed with USL League Two sides Chicago FC United, St. Louis Scott Gallagher SC and Kaw Valley FC, and was part of the Sporting Kansas City and Portland Timbers academies.