OFFICIAL: Sam Surridge joins Nashville SC

Has Nashville finally solved its striker problem?

Striker Sam Surridge has joined Nashville SC from Nottingham Forest for $6.4M, signing a four-year deal with an option for 2027. Surridge, 24, scored 11 goals in 47 appearances for Forest across nearly two seasons.

The English forward played a key role in Steve Cooper’s promotion-winning side from the Championship in 2021-2022, registering seven goals and two assists in the league and play-offs after joining mid-season from Stoke City. Surridge became Forest’s super sub upon arrival, coming off the bench in 12 of 17 league appearances.

In England’s top flight, Surridge became much more of a peripheral figure, managing only 790 minutes all season and scoring only once. On the fringes of a bloated squad, Surridge was earmarked for a move away.

He joins a Nashville squad that has been crying out for a quality striker. Teal Bunbury and Ethan Zubak are the only two natural strikers on the roster. This has meant Gary Smith has used Hany Mukhtar in a front two for most of the season. Pairing the MVP with a revolving door of partners, including Bunbury, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Fafà Picault.

Surridge immediately becomes the team’s number one option up front and for $6.4M, he needs to play like it too. Expensive strikers have already set the bar low in Nashville. Club record-signing, striker Aké Loba was brought in for $6.8M in 2020, going on to score two goals in 40 appearances. Eventually, Loba and Nashville agreed to terminate his contract, ending his nightmare in MLS. Surridge will now occupy the Designated Player spot left by Loba.

Here’s to hoping this one works out a bit better.