Nashville SC: Investing heavily to catch MLS gravy train
Nashville SC remain interested in PSV striker Maxi Romero with talks discussing an eight-figure permanent fee. The expansion team are investing heavily to catch the MLS gravy train.
While Major League Soccer, as a North American sport, attempts to gain and preserve parity, due to the nature of the global sport, it is far more difficult to ensure. MLS, unlike the NFL or NBA or other North American sports, is not self-enclosed. It partakes in a larger community. As a result, the rules introduced to maintain parity are less effective.
The consequences of this can be seen in the league’s results in recent years. Whether the league likes it or not, a group of elite teams has amassed. And based on their greater financial muscle and willingness to invest, they are not going anywhere soon.
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Yes, MLS has a salary cap, there are roster restrictions, and the worst teams are handed early picks in the SuperDraft, but unlike a fully insulated league, it cannot entirely control the transactions that are made to protect parity. Transfer fees, the size and attractiveness of the club, the quality of the facilities. These will impact the pedigree of player that can be signed. And of course, the team that sign the better players wins.
In recent years, the likes of Toronto, Seattle, Atlanta, Portland, both LA teams, New York City FC and others have started to heavily invest in their teams. They break their transfer records, they build new stadiums, they commit finances to building their club and teams. It is no surprise, then, that the last four MLS Cups have comprised of these teams. Not just that, but the Conference Finals have invariably involved these teams, too. An MLS elite is emerging.
It is not up to other teams to close the ground. Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes spoke about the importance of spending in the offseason, stating that his club needed to invest as they were in danger of falling behind. This offseason, they signed Alan Pulido in a deal that cost more than all of their previous transfer fees combined. And now Nashville SC are doing the same.
Nashville SC entered MLS this year alongside another potentially elite team, the big-spending Inter Miami CF. However, eager to not be left behind, they too are showing their willingness to invest in the squad.
After signing Hany Mukhtar for $3 million in the offseason, Nashville SC are eager to add to their attacking options, and they have their eye on PSV’s Maxi Romero, who could cost as much as eight figure. Per mlssoccer.com, Nashville remain interested in Romero and have held talks over a loan deal with a $1.5 million initial fee and a permanent fee north of $10 million.
Whether Romero is worth such an outlay is almost beside the point. Yes, his performances will determine whether this is a smart signing or not, but the intention is made quite plain here. Nashville are ready, willing, and able to spend alongside some of the richest clubs in MLS. They, like Vermes and Sporting KC, have recognised the growing disparity in the league and are keen to jump to the other side.
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Nashville SC want to ride the MLS gravy train. But to get on, they have to buy the ticket. Based on reports, it seems as though they are willing to get one.