It hasn’t taken long for Sam Surridge to make waves across the Atlantic.
After a breakout season in Major League Soccer, English clubs are lining up to bring the forward back home.
With Lionel Messi being the only player to outscore him in the league last year, it’s clear that Surridge’s reputation is booming.
A Sensation in Nashville
Since joining Nashville from Nottingham Forest two and a half years ago, Surridge has been nothing short of sensational.
He finished the regular MLS season with 24 goals, just five shy of Messi’s tally, and ended the campaign with 31 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions.
His efforts were instrumental in guiding Nashville to their first major trophy, the US Open Cup—the American equivalent of the FA Cup.
Surridge didn’t just score; he delivered when it mattered most.
A hat-trick in the semi-final against Philadelphia Union and a decisive penalty in the final against Austin secured his spot as the top scorer in the tournament with six goals.
A Clinical Finisher and Team Player
What makes Surridge so dangerous is more than just his finishing ability.
Data shows he thrives in the penalty box, handling tight spaces with ease and converting chances under pressure.
“He’s a killer in the most dangerous moments,” says Nashville teammate Daniel Lovitz.
“Having him so prolific opens up space for the rest of the team.”
At 6ft 3ins, Surridge also offers aerial strength, combining mobility and height in a way that makes him comparable to Europe’s top centre forwards.
This combination has attracted attention from clubs in England’s Championship, all keen to bolster their attacking options.
English Clubs Take Notice
At 27, Surridge is a hot commodity.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, preparing for the possibility of relegation and looking for replacements for Jorgen Strand Larsen, are reportedly among the clubs interested.
But it’s not just Wolves—several promotion-chasing sides in the Championship are also keeping tabs on him.
From Local Leagues to the Big Stage
Surridge’s journey began in Slough, playing local league football for Bournemouth Sports before being signed by Bournemouth.
In 2021, he moved to Stoke, but that stint didn’t pan out.
Six months later, he transferred to Nottingham Forest, instantly making an impact by helping them secure promotion.
Seven goals and an assist in 17 Championship matches played a pivotal role in Forest’s late-season surge, ending the exile of the 23-year-old top-flight hopeful by winning the playoff final against Huddersfield at Wembley.
A Premier League Misstep and MLS Triumph
Despite his Championship heroics, Surridge struggled to break into Forest’s Premier League squad amid a flurry of signings.
He made only one league start before Nashville swooped in for £5 million in the summer of 2023.
His MLS record since then has been outstanding: 51 goals and eight assists in 87 appearances.
With his contract expiring at the end of next season, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for this English goal machine?
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