It’s no secret that Sam Surridge has been turning heads in Major League Soccer, and after a season where only Lionel Messi outscored him, the fierce competition to bring him back to English football is only growing.
The English striker has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his move from Nottingham Forest to Nashville, and his name is now firmly on the radar of several clubs eager to tap into his scoring prowess.
Surridge’s Stellar MLS Season: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Surridge finished the 2025 MLS regular season with 24 goals, just five behind Messi’s impressive 29.
When you add his all-competition tally of 31 goals in 40 appearances, it’s clear that the 27-year-old striker is not just a goal-scorer—he’s a game-changer.
His clinical finishing and knack for being in the right place at the right time have propelled Nashville to new heights, including their first-ever major title, the US Open Cup, the American equivalent of the FA Cup.
The season was nothing short of magical for Surridge, who made a massive impact during the tournament.
In the semi-final against Philadelphia Union, he netted a stunning hat trick.
Then, in the final against Austin, he stepped up to score the winning penalty, finishing as the competition’s top scorer with six goals to his name.
The ‘Killer Instinct’: Surridge’s Key Strengths
What stands out most about Surridge is his ability to perform under pressure in the most dangerous moments.
According to his Nashville teammate, Daniel Lovitz, Surridge is “a killer in the most dangerous moments,” a player who thrives in tight situations within the penalty box.
His clinical finishing and sharp control in congested areas have earned him the reputation of being a specialist in the box.
At 6ft 3in, Surridge isn’t just a goal-scorer with his feet—he’s also a formidable aerial threat.
His size, combined with his mobility, makes him a standout among center-forwards, not just in MLS but when compared to some of Europe’s top leagues.
It’s no wonder that clubs in the Championship, as well as those eyeing Premier League promotion, are lining up to sign him.
Championship Clubs Take Notice
With his contract at Nashville set to expire at the end of the 2026 season, Surridge is in high demand.
As he enters the prime years of his career, he’s attracting attention from a range of clubs, including Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are currently on the lookout for potential replacements for Jorgen Strand Larsen, especially as they face the threat of relegation.
But it’s not just the Championship clubs that are interested.
Several teams vying for Premier League promotion have also placed Surridge on their radar.
A Journey from Bournemouth to Stoke, Forest, and Beyond
Surridge’s journey to becoming one of the most sought-after strikers in MLS has been anything but linear.
The Slough-born forward started his career at Bournemouth, where he was spotted playing local league football for Bournemouth Sports.
It didn’t take long for the club to see his potential, and they eventually sold him to Stoke City in 2021.
However, his time at Stoke didn’t go as planned, and just six months later, Surridge found himself at Nottingham Forest.
It didn’t take long for Surridge to make an impact at Forest, where his contributions were key in helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League.
In just 17 Championship appearances, he scored seven goals and provided an assist, playing a vital role in Forest’s late-season surge into the playoffs.
His goals helped Steve Cooper’s team beat Huddersfield at Wembley, securing a return to the top flight after a 23-year absence.
A Frustrating Premier League Experience
However, Surridge’s time in the Premier League was less fruitful.
After Forest’s promotion, the club embarked on an ambitious transfer spree, bringing in several new faces.
As a result, Surridge found himself sidelined, starting just once in the Premier League.
Frustrated by his lack of playing time, Surridge moved on, with Nashville stepping in to secure his services for £5 million in the summer of 2023.
Nashville’s MLS Sensation
Since making the switch to Nashville, Surridge’s career has skyrocketed.
In just 87 appearances for the club, he has scored an impressive 51 goals and registered 8 assists.
His form has been nothing short of sensational, and his impact has been felt both in MLS and in the wider U.S. soccer landscape.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the 2026 season, Surridge’s future is now a hot topic in English football, and it seems only a matter of time before he makes his return to the UK.
What’s Next for Surridge?
As the transfer rumblings around Surridge continue to build, the question now is where he will end up next.
Given his remarkable performances for Nashville, it’s clear that Surridge is ready for another challenge, and English clubs, particularly in the Championship and those pushing for Premier League promotion, will be eager to land a striker of his caliber.
Whether he stays in the U.S. or makes the return to England that many expect, one thing is certain: Sam Surridge’s career is on an exciting upward trajectory, and his next move could shape the next chapter of English football.
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