NASHVILLE, TN — Nashville SC has made a major player addition while preparing for their next game on the road against Columbus. They announed last week the signing of CF Monterrey striker Aké Loba as their third designated player. Loba’s transfer was first reported by MLSsoccer.com. Loba joins Hany Mukhtar and on-loan striker Jhonder Cádiz as the club’s DP’s. The signing of the Ivory Coast native was reported as being for a club-record $6.8 million. Since joining Mexico’s Liga MX from San Martín in Peru two years ago, Loba has scored 18 goals – 11 on loan with Querétaro F.C. in 2019, and seven with Monterrey. He notably scored in a CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal against Columbus Crew in April.
“Aké is an exciting attacking prospect that offers the qualities that our team looks for in a striker,” Nashville general manager Mike Jacobs said in a statement. “He is a constant goal threat and has the ability to create and finish in a number of different ways. We are excited to be able to add him to this group, and about what he represents for our club.”
The 5-foot-9 Loba has the ability to play multiple wing positions. He joins Cádiz, CJ Sapong, Daniel Rios, Abu Danladi and Dom Badji as center forwards for Nashville.
Nashville SC recently had a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United. They are tied for fourth place in MLS’s Eastern Conference with a record of four wins, one loss and now seven draws. Their next game is July 21.