Nashville SC squad enters MLS offseason free agency

The first dominoes have fallen Nashville SC is putting together its roster for 2025.

On Monday, Nashville announced that it had exercised contract options on Lukas MacNaughton and Julian Gaines and rejected options on Aníbal Godoy, Brian Anunga, Amar Sejdić, Forster Ajago, Joey Skinner and Ben Martino.

The next step is free agency, which begins December 12th.

General manager Mike Jacobs is tasked with building a roster capable of reaching the MLS playoffs after Nashville missed for the first time ever in 2024. Here’s a breakdown of Nashville’s current roster.

Forward

Sam Surridge has signed as Nashville’s starting forward. The 26-year-old largely lived up to his expectations Price tag: $6 million and scored 15 goals in all competitions, becoming NSC’s top non-Hany Mukhtar goalscorer since CJ Sapong in 2021.

Surridge’s backup, Teal Bunbury, played in 27 games (12 starts), scoring three goals and two assists. While Bunbury is an important tactical figure thanks to his hold-up play and defensive work, he has never been a top goalscorer and will turn 35 next February.

That’s why it was somewhat surprising that Nashville declined Ajago’s option. The undrafted rookie showed flashes, scoring two goals for NSC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and seven goals in 12 games for MLS Next Pro affiliate Huntsville City.

But even without Ajago, Nashville has two young forwards who could push Bunbury in 2025 if they choose not to chase a veteran in free agency. Woobens Pacius, 23, scored eight goals with Huntsville and was 18 years old Adem SipicNSC’s first homegrown signing, scored four goals for Huntsville.

wing

While Jacob Shaffelburg has made a name for himself through his strong performances with the Canadian national team, he has not yet had a similar breakthrough at club level. But the speedy 24-year-old has scored five goals in all competitions this season and should once again be an integral part of the team Coach BJ Callaghan in 2025.

Jonathan Pérez was acquired from the LA Galaxy on loan midseason, similar to how Shaffelburg came to Nashville in 2022. The 21-year-old played well for Nashville and, depending on the formation, could fit into a super-replacement role or start. Pérez will remain on loan in 2025.

Tyler Boyd scored two goals and three assists in 21 MLS games before tearing his ACL in a non-contact game in July. The 29-year-old is a starting player when healthy, but that won’t be the case until well into the 2025 season.

midfielder

With options for Godoy, Anunga and Sejdić declined and Dru Yearwood leaving in free agency, Nashville’s midfield overhaul has begun in earnest.

Mukhtar had a poor year for his high performances, with eight goals and ten assists in MLS play. The 2022 MLS MVP was looking to become the first player in league history to record double-digit goals and assists in four straight seasons. Nevertheless, at 29 years old, Mukhtar is in the prime of his career under contract until 2026 with option for 2027.

Alex Muyl was Nashville’s most consistent player In 2024, he appeared in all 34 games and started 27. The 29-year-old showed an eye for goal in Callaghan’s system, scoring four goals in the final eight games of the season. While Muyl is at home on the wing, he is also capable of playing in central midfield, wide midfield and even on the right side.

In a 4-2-3-1 formation, one of Callaghan’s preferred formations, Mukhtar takes the role as the No.10 playmaker, Shaffelburg and Muyl are on either side of Mukhtar and Surridge is the lone striker. There are huge questions behind these four in Nashville.

Patrick Yazbek, Nashville lonely signer of the summer transfer window should occupy one of two central midfield positions. Jacobs pursued Yazbek with Callaghan’s system in mind, and his high-energy style of play fits there well. But the 22-year-old Australian international cannot solve the NSC’s problems with ball development alone.

The solution — be it a box-to-box centerfielder similar to Yazbek or a depth playmaker — may have to be found in free agency or on the trade market. If not, Sean Davis, Randall Leal and Isaiah Jones will have to step up.

Davis, 31, started 17 games but only once under Callaghan. Leal, 27, scored eight goals and seven assists in 2021, but suffered two serious injuries this season, leaving him with just 43 minutes of playing time. JonesThe 18-year-old may be best suited for another year of development in Huntsville.

MORE: A lot of things went wrong when Nashville SC missed the MLS playoffs. Here are the 5 biggest

MORE: Here’s how much Nashville SC players made this season according to the MLS salary guide

defender

There are no immediate concerns on defense as Nashville has more starting players than it has spots. But the club still needs a solid plan as some of these players are or are currently in the second half of their careers.

Two-time MLS Defender of the Year Walker Zimmerman stayed healthy in the second half his age-31 season, and Nashville’s defense was significantly better with the U.S. international on the field. The question is who will start at center back alongside Zimmerman, whose contract runs after 2025.

MacNaughton appeared to have the upper hand over Jack Maher before a leg injury in April all but ended his season. Maher started 27 games but has arguably regressed in his breakout 2023 season. Nashville is negotiating a new contract with Josh Bauer, who started 19 games and showed promise.

Daniel Lovitz is a reliable starter at left-back. The former USMNT player is entering his age-34 season and the final year of his contract. Skinner, Nashville’s first-round draft pick in 2022, will not be his long-term replacement. Taylor Washington probably won’t be either, even though the 31-year-old belongs to Nashville Longest tenured player with an invaluable off-field presence.

Shaq Moore has one goal and four assists this season and the US international is anchored in the starting lineup despite having one year left on his contract. Gaines, 21, earned Callaghan’s trust late in the season and could be Nashville’s right-back of the future if the club lets Moore go after 2025. Bauer can also slide to the right-back if necessary.

goalkeeper

Nashville appears to be between the sticks for at least another season.

Joe Willis remained effective in 2024, recording eight shutouts to secure fifth place in MLS. But Willis is entering the final year of his contract and will turn 37 next August. While Nashville certainly doesn’t need to leave Willis after next season, it should still prepare for the future without him.

Elliot Panicco challenged Willis for the starting job at times during his three seasons in Nashville. NSC needs to find out whether the 27-year-old is capable of replacing Willis in the long term, especially after turning down Martino’s option.

Jacob Shames can be reached by email at [email protected] and on Twitter at @Jacob_Shames.