First off, I would like to tip my cap to Gary Smith and company on how they have assembled the club’s roster going into its first season in MLS. Nashville SC’s roster is compiled of a great mix of MLS veterans such as Dax McCarty and Anibal Godoy, who have proved themselves at the highest level of American soccer taking leadership roles at their previous clubs. The front office has also brought in some younger international talents in Hany Mukhtar and Randall Leal. This combination of talent may not have got a win for the club in its inaugural season so far, but has sure made the future look promising when the league starts back up after the pandemic has settled.
The biggest problem the club has faced on the field is goal production. Obviously, this is not ideal. With Hany Mukhtar being the club’s only designated player signing of the three allowed so far, all signs are pointing to Nashville signing a big time forward to fill its second DP spot. Grabbing goals is a huge need for club, but the club is also in need of a big name to attract fans to Nissan Stadium, and eventually its own 30,000 fan capacity stadium in a couple years. I’m going to breakdown a few rumored prospects that could potentially make a move to MLS.
Modou Barrow
Modou Barrow is a 27-year-old Gambian international currently on loan at Denizlispor in Turkey via Reading FC. Barrow’s future at Denizlispor is in question after he left the Turkish club without informing management in March to address “family issues” in his home country of Gambia. Because of this, there has been rumors arise about a potential move to Major League Soccer. Barrow currently has one year left on his deal with Reading FC, but a transfer fee of 2-3 million dollars seems realistic. Barrow’s best position is put wide on the left, as he is very rapid in pace as well as a gifted dribbler. Barrow has also played up top as a sole striker many times before. Barrow gained a lot of interest after a successful start in Sweden. From Sweden, he was bought by Swansea City in the Premier League where he became the first Gambian international to score a goal in England’s top division. He bounced around on loan in the EFL Championship before finding an eventual home at Reading FC. During his first two seasons with Reading, Barrow scored 14 times in 76 appearances. This season during his loan at Denizlispor, he has scored 3 times in 24 appearances.
Barrow is definitely one of the more boring rumors I have seen linked to a MLS move, however this isn’t to say he could produce in MLS. Barrow’s pace when combined with the creative minds of Randall Leal and Hany Mukhtar could be successful in creating chances. The number one question is Barrow’s ability to finish these chances as he has not played his whole career as a true number 9. Gambian internationals have had success in MLS before, such as the Nyassi brothers and more recently current FC Cincinnati striker Kekuta Manneh, who Barrow’s game can be compared to. Barrow’s signing definitely wouldn’t put butts in the stands, and there is also a question if he could put balls in the net.
Daniel Sturridge
The former Liverpool ace has recently found himself out of work when his Turkish club Trabzonspor terminated his contract after a four month worldwide ban for breaking gambling rules. Sturridge will be reinstated in mid-June, but the verdict is still out on when or if MLS will return this season. Although the 30-year-old is in the back end of his career, he still looks to have quite a bit left in the tank after a promising first season in Turkey. Sturridge bagged in 7 goals as well as assisting 4 for Trabzonspor in 16 appearances across all competitions. Sturridge looked a lot more comfortable on the ball during his spell at Trabzonspor than he did his last couple of years in the Premier League. Something to note is that Ian Ayre, current CEO of Nashville SC, was the managing director for Liverpool when Sturridge signed with the club in 2013 from Chelsea on a 17-million-dollar fee. Ayre had a huge say on the transfer, and rated Sturridge very high throughout his career at Liverpool.
From what we have seen and speculate so far, Nashville SC’s player signing model is tailored more towards spending their big money on younger players and develop their game to fit the unique conditions of MLS. Although Sturridge doesn’t fit this strategy, I think he would be a very good signing for the club. Sturridge has proved that his game can adapt to a league change as we saw this past season. If his style of play can transfer over from Turkey to MLS, Sturridge could add goals, assists, and flair to Nashville’s roster. Sturridge is also a big name that would help Nashville gain popularity around the city.
Mario Balotelli
Balotelli needs no introduction as his career has been filled with controversy throughout. From mafia allegations to multiple clashes with teammates during training, Balotelli has been a staple in the headlines wherever he has gone. Balotelli has been somewhat of a journeyman, playing in the Premier League, Ligue 1 of France, and Italy’s Serie A. The 29-year-old currently is playing in Serie A for last place side Brescia, his hometown club. Balotelli has scored 5 goals in 19 appearances so far. If Brescia cannot avoid relegation, the Italian international’s contract will be up at the end of the year, meaning he will be looking for work. If Brescia can stay in the top tier of Italian soccer, Balotelli’s contract will be renewed for the next year. Balotelli is a clinical finisher, known to be one of the greatest penalty takers of all time. Although Balotelli has been criticized for his work rate on the pitch, he has shown improvements this year during his return to Serie A.
Like Sturridge, Balotelli wouldn’t really match what the club is looking for when dishing out the big bucks. However, this move would absolutely grab the attention of Nashvillians and all of MLS. Balotelli is a big name with a polarizing personality, much along the lines of former LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimović. On the field, Balotelli would add the much desired finishing ability at the forward position. Nashville SC would also not have to worry about who would be taking penalties, as Balotelli is one of the greatest to ever do it. Balotelli’s peak years are behind him, but he certainly still has the ability to be a dominant force in MLS. Balotelli has been linked to MLS sides before, but I think Nashville could be the perfect fit for him at this point in his career. I think he would thrive on the field, and something tells me his electric personality would enjoy the perks of Broadway, too.