Nashville Soccer Club announced Tuesday that it has secured the services of 18‑year‑old forward Zidane Yañez from New York City FC, marking a notable addition to its attacking options ahead of the upcoming season.
A Deal Built on Future Potential
The transaction sees the club part with $50,000 of 2027 General Allocation Money, a sum that reflects both the modest immediate outlay and the possibility of escalating incentives tied to the player’s performance. Yañez has been with Nashville’s MLS NEXT Pro side, Huntsville City FC, on loan since May, and the move is framed as a stepping stone toward a full‑time role in the senior squad.
Yañez’s journey to this point began in the youth academies of New Jersey, where he first caught the eye of the New York Red Bulls before moving to New York City FC’s development program in 2021. The teenager signed a Homegrown Player contract with NYCFC at 15, made six appearances for NYCFC II in MLS NEXT Pro, and debuted for Huntsville on July 12, coming on as a substitute against Philadelphia Union II. Internationally, he has represented Chile at the U‑17 level, netting nine goals in 22 youth caps, and has also turned out for Puerto Rico and the United States at various youth tournaments.
Mike Jacobs, Nashville’s President of Soccer Operations and General Manager, praised the youngster’s blend of creativity and finishing, stating that Yañez brings a ‘dynamic spark’ that aligns with the club’s ambition to cultivate homegrown talent while remaining competitive in the league.
The agreement also includes a performance‑based clause that could see NYCFC receive up to $225,000 in additional GAM should Yañez meet a series of predefined milestones, underscoring the risk‑reward calculus embedded in modern MLS transactions.
With a contract that runs through the end of 2028 and an option for 2029, Yañez is poised to become a key piece of Nashville’s rebuilding effort, a move that reflects the club’s broader strategy of blending youthful vigor with experienced leadership as it looks to climb the Eastern Conference standings.