Nashville SC remain in discussions with PSV for Argentine youth national team forward Maxi Romero, MLSsoccer.com has learned, with the talks centering around a $1.5 million loan fee and an "eight-figure" purchase option, per a source.
Ben Wright of Speedway Soccer first reported Nashville's interest in Romero last week.
A source adds that Nashville do not expect to make any signings before the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando next month and that the club may even wait until winter to sign a DP forward, when better deals might be available.
One possible hurdle in front of Nashville in their chase of Romero is that PSV have hired a new manager, Roger Schmidt, for next season. He wants to see how Romero could fit in the team, whether that's immediately or in the long-term, following a loan that would not include a purchase option.
Nashville's interest in Romero echoes their reported interest in Ivorian forward Ake Loba this winter. MLSsoccer.com reported then that Nashville valued him in the $9-11 range, before a "significant" bid was rejected. Loba eventually signed for Liga MX giants CF Monterrey.
If a permanent deal is completed, it'd easily be the club's new record transfer fee in their young existence, surpassing the reported $3 million fee they paid to acquire Hany Mukhtar ahead of their expansion season. Romero would also fill a DP slot for the club, either the second one or the third and final, depending on whether Randall Leal ultimately counts as a Designated Player or has his budget hit bought down with Targeted Allocation Money.
Romero, 21, had two goals in six appearances with the Argentine U-20 national team. Romero has been on loan at Velez Sarsfield during the 2019-20 campaign, returning to the Argentine club where his professional career began. He’s made 65 appearances with the club, scoring 16 goals and adding six assists.
In the interim, the former Mexico youth international Daniel Rios will be a key option to lead the lines in Orlando at the MLS is Back Tournament and beyond. The club are high on his ability, after the player scored 20 goals in back-to-back seasons in the USL Championship. Dom Badji and Abu Danladi are also options up top for head coach Gary Smith.
