Crawley Town midifelder Jeremy Kelly set to join Charleston Battery on a free transfer

Crawley Town midfielder Jeremy Kelly is close to completing a free transfer to USL Championship side Charleston Battery, according to MLS insider Tom Bogert.

The 27-year-old is expected to reunite with former manager Ben Pirmann, under whom he previously played at Memphis 901 before making the switch to England. 

Kelly in action at the Broadfield Stadium. Photo by David Horton - CameraSport via Getty Images

The move will mark a return to the United States for the North Carolina native, who spent two seasons with Crawley Town.

During his time at Broadfield Stadium, Kelly made 63 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists. 

He played a pivotal role in the club's promotion to League One during the 2023/24 season, where he made 21 appearances in the second half of the season and featured in the League Two Playoff Final win over Crewe Alexandra at Wembley.

Crawley's time in League One did not go to plan and they were relegated back to League Two after one season. 

Following Crawley's final game of the 2024/25 campaign—widely expected to be his last for the club—Kelly reflected on his experience in English football.

"Personally, it's been fun to play some of these bigger teams like Birmingham. They've been special occasions," Kelly said. 

"It's been a special year—playing at the Amex and some of the hallowed grounds of English football—so I've had a blast this year.

"It hasn't always gone the way we wanted it to, but I've enjoyed playing with these lads and working with Scott [Lindsey] and his backroom staff. 

"I couldn't have imagined this happening—getting promoted and then playing at some of the grounds and with some of the players I've played with. It's been a really special experience."