Where Nashville SC's roster stands heading into MLS offseason

The first dominos have fallen as Nashville SC puts together its roster for 2025.

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

The next step is free agency, which begins Dec. 12.

General manager Mike Jacobs is charged with building a squad capable of reaching the MLS playoffs after Nashville missed for the first time ever in 2024. Here's a breakdown of Nashville's roster as it stands.

Forwards

Sam Surridge is locked in as Nashville's starting striker. The 26-year-old mostly lived up to his $6 million price tag and scored 15 goals in all competitions, becoming NSC's highest non-Hany Mukhtar scorer since C.J. Sapong in 2021.

Surridge's backup, Teal Bunbury, played in 27 games (12 starts), tallying three goals and two assists. While Bunbury is an important tactical piece via his hold-up play and defensive work, he's never been an elite goalscorer, and he'll turn 35 next February.

For that reason, it was a bit surprising to see Nashville decline Ajago's option. The undrafted rookie showed flashes, scoring twice for NSC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and seven times in 12 games for MLS Next Pro affiliate Huntsville City.

But even without Ajago, Nashville has two young strikers who could push Bunbury in 2025 if they choose not to go after a veteran in free agency. Woobens Pacius, 23, scored eight goals with Huntsville and 18-year-old Adem Sipić , NSC's first-ever homegrown signing, scored four goals for Huntsville.

Wings

While Jacob Shaffelburg has earned a reputation through his strong performances for the Canadian national team, he hasn't yet had a similar breakout at the club level. But the speedy 24-year-old scored five goals across all competitions this season and should once again be a lineup fixture for coach B.J. Callaghan in 2025.

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

Tyler Boyd had two goals and three assists in 21 MLS games before tearing his ACL on a non-contact play in July. The 29-year-old is a starting-caliber player when healthy, but that won't be until deep into the 2025 season.

Midfielders

After declining options on Godoy, Anunga and Sejdić and with Dru Yearwood headed for free agency, Nashville's midfield overhaul has begun in earnest.

Mukhtar had a down year for his lofty standards, with eight goals and 10 assists in MLS play. The 2022 MLS MVP was seeking to become the first player in league history to record double-digit goals and assists in four straight seasons. Still, Mukhtar is in the prime of his career at 29 and under contract through 2026 with an option for 2027.

Alex Muyl was Nashville's most consistent player in 2024, appearing in all 34 games and starting 27. The 29-year-old showed an eye for goal in Callaghan's system, scoring four in the season's final eight games. While Muyl found a home on the wing, he's also capable of playing central midfield, wide midfield and even right back.

In a 4-2-3-1, one of Callaghan's preferred formations, Mukhtar occupies the playmaking No. 10 role, Shaffelburg and Muyl lineup on either side of Mukhtar and Surridge is the lone striker. Behind those four, Nashville has massive questions.

Patrick Yazbek, Nashville's lone signing of the summer transfer window, should occupy one of two central midfield spots. Jacobs went after Yazbek with Callaghan's system in mind, and his high-energy play style fits well there. But the 22-year-old Australian international can't alone solve NSC's ball-progression issues.

The solution — whether it's a box-to-box midfielder similar to Yazbek or a deep-lying playmaker — may have to be found in free agency or the trade market. If not, Sean Davis, Randall Leal and Isaiah Jones need to step up.

Davis, 31, started 17 games but only once under Callaghan. Leal, 27, had eight goals and seven assists in 2021 but suffered two major injuries this season, limiting him to 43 minutes of playing time. Jones , 18, may be best suited for another year of development in Huntsville.

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Defenders

There aren't any immediate concerns on the defense, as Nashville has more starting-caliber players than it has spots for. But the club still needs a solid plan with a number of those players in or entering the back half of their careers.

Two-time MLS Defender of the Year Walker Zimmerman remained healthy over the second half of his age-31 season, and Nashville's defense was significantly better with the United States international on the field. The question is who will start next to Zimmerman, whose contract is up after 2025, at center back.

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

Daniel Lovitz is a dependable starter at left back onetime USMNT player is going into his age-34 season and last year of his contract. Skinner, Nashville's first-round draft pick in 2022, won't be his long-term replacement. Taylor Washington probably won't be either, though the 31-year-old is Nashville's longest-tenured player and an invaluable off-field presence .

Shaq Moore had one goal and four assists this season and the U.S. international is locked into a starting role, though he has 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 walk after 2025. Bauer can also slide to right back in a pinch.

Goalkeepers

Nashville looks set between the posts for at least one more season.

Joe Willis remained effective in 2024, recording eight shutouts to tie for fifth in MLS. But Willis is headed into the last year of his contract and will turn 37 next August. While Nashville certainly doesn't have to move on from Willis after next season, it should still prepare for a future without him.

Elliot Panicco has challenged Willis for the starting job at times during his three seasons in Nashville. NSC needs to figure out if the 27-year-old is capable of being Willis' long-term replacement, especially after declining Martino's option.

Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on Twitter @Jacob_Shames.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville SC roster entering MLS offseason, free agency