TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade
- CLT receive: Daniel Rios
- NSH receive: Up to $500k GAM
UPDATE (Feb. 25) – Charlotte FC have acquired forward Daniel Rios from Nashville SC for up to $500,000 in General Allocation Money, the clubs announced Friday.
The funds break down as $350,000 in 2022 GAM with an additional $150,000 in 2023 GAM if certain incentives are met.
“Daniel is a legacy at our club as our first player signed and will be remembered fondly for that," Nashville general manager Mike Jacobs said in a release. "He is a part of the club’s history, and we wish him and his family the very best in this new opportunity in Charlotte."
UPDATE (Feb. 24) – Charlotte FC have acquired forward Daniel Rios from Nashville SC in exchange for $350,000 in General Allocation Money plus another $150,00 GAM in incentives, sources tell MLSsoccer.com.
Rios, 27, was the first player Nashville ever signed to an MLS contract. Injuries have limited the Mexico native's opportunities over the club's first two seasons, with five goals and one assist in 30 appearances (13 starts). Rios has a club option in his contract for 2023.
The center forward joins Charlotte as the expansion side looks to reinforce their attack. He gives head coach Miguel Angel Ramirez another option through the center, alongside Designated Player Karol Swiderski and U22 Initiative signing Vinicius Mello.
A product of Chivas Guadalajara's youth academy, Rios made his name in USL on loan with North Carolina FC before Nashville acquired him. He was stellar at that level, with 40 goals in 62 appearances between Nashville and North Carolina.
Nashville have last year's starter CJ Sapong, club-record signing Ake Loba and offseason trade acquisition Teal Bunbury as senior options at center forward, leaving them with plenty of options to facilitate a trade of Rios, who has the chance at more regular playing time in Charlotte.
Charlotte begin their inaugural season at D.C. United on Saturday (6 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+), while Nashville visit Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+).
