Nashville SC signs free agent Jan Gregus through 2023 season
Nashville SC is signing free agent Jan Gregus through the 2023 season, adding starter-quality depth to its central midfield.
Gregus began training with Nashville last week and has since been a full participant in team activities. The 32-year-old's contract goes through 2023 with an option for the 2024 season. Gregus spent 2022 with the San Jose Earthquakes, starting 17 of 27 games played, posting six assists. Prior to that, he played three seasons for Minnesota United FC (2019-21) and was a designated player.
At 6-foot-2, Gregus bolsters Nashville's attacking threat and defense during set pieces and provides a well-known knack for establishing possession and generating attacks in central or defensive midfield roles. Gregus joins Dax McCarty, Sean Davis, Anibal Godoy, Brian Anunga and Laurence Wyke in those positions. Gregus possesses a U.S. green card and will not occupy an international roster spot.
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A native of Nitra, Slovakia, Gregus has made 36 appearances for the Slovakian national team, albeit his last game was during the 2020 UEFA European Championship in June 2021. Along with clubs in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Gregus had stints with the Bolton Wanderers in England and FC Copenhagen in Denmark before coming to MLS.
Here's what the Gregus signing means for Nashville in the short and long terms.
What Gregus signing means right now
If Nashville wants to play with three natural central midfielders, it can do that now without expending its group of starters.
Godoy (shoulder) will be a "last-minute" decision Saturday against the New England Revolution (6:30 p.m., MLS Season Pass) , according to coach Gary Smith. The midfield destroyer has missed Nashville's past two games. To plug in Gregus with Davis as the starting duo in the formation's nucleus means protection of the defensive backline, an innate passer and someone who can play box-to-box.
It's unclear if Smith believes Gregus is fit to debut this weekend. But having Gregus and McCarty back up Davis and Godoy (if healthy) demonstrates depth it hasn't had before in that position.
What Gregus signing means in future
Gregus is above the age of 30, so longevity is not in the cards. Anunga and Wyke, both aged 26, are the two who fit that bill.
However, Gregus' quality as an international and former DP takes the pressure off of Nashville and its future plans for McCarty, who will 36 in April, playing his 19th MLS season. Gregus adds starting capabilities in 2023 and 2024.
For stories about Nashville SC or Soccer in Tennessee, contact Drake Hills at DHills@gannett.com. Follow Drake on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake. Connect with Drake on Instagram at @drakehillssoccer and on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashvills SC signs free agent midfielder Jan Gregus through 2023
