Nashville SC Acquire Winger McKinze Gaines From Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC have traded winger McKinze Gaines to Nashville SC for a 2nd round 2024 MLS SuperDraft pick. Gaines heads to Nashville after a career split between MLS and the German lower divisions. Charlotte gets an opportunity now to build their roster and youth through this year’s SuperDraft.

Gaines is a 25 year old winger that has played 57 games between his time at Charlotte FC and Austin FC. During that time he has scored 5 goals and 6 assists. He also brings experience from his time playing at; Hannover 96, SV Darmstadt, SG Sonnenhof, FSV Zwickau, and Crown Legacy FC. 

This is an interesting move as Gary Smith’s sides for Nashville SC very rarely play with true wingers like Gaines. I either feel like Gaines is going to be adjusted to playing up top as a striker OR playing in the lower block as a converted wingback like Alex Muyl. What this could also mean is a formation change for Nashville SC in 2024. Time will tell how/where Gaines fits into Gary Smith’s side.