Ghanaian defender Maxwell Woledzi joins Nashville SC on three-year deal
Nashville SC have signed Ghanaian center back Maxwell Woledzi to a three-year contract, with an option to extend through 2029. The 24-year-old arrives from Norway’s Fredrikstad, where he spent the last three seasons.
Woledzi, a product of the Right to Dream Academy in Accra, helped Fredrikstad secure promotion to the Eliteserien in his first season and win the Norwegian Cup the following year.
He made 88 appearances across all competitions, earning player of the year honors and a spot in the 2024 Eliteserien Team of the Year.
“Maxwell is a tremendous player and leader who will be a great addition to our club,” Nashville SC president of soccer operations Mike Jacobs said. “We are excited to be able to add him to our group for the 2026 season.”
The Ghanaian defender will occupy an international roster spot pending his visa and is expected to help fill the gap left by Walker Zimmerman, who departs in December as a free agent.
Woledzi will likely compete alongside Jeisson Palacios or Jack Maher in Nashville’s top defensive pairing, with Josh Bauer and Chris Applewhite also in the mix.
Woledzi’s career includes three seasons with Danish side Nordsjælland, where he appeared 33 times, and a brief stint with Portuguese club Vitória’s reserves in 2022.
His development at the Right to Dream Academy places him among notable alumni, including Tottenham midfielder Mohammed Kudus and former Nashville winger David Accam.
The signing continues Nashville SC’s strategy of recruiting talent from Scandinavian leagues. Last year, the club acquired Patrick Yazbek from Viking FK, Edvard Tagseth from Rosenborg, and in February signed Swedish winger Ahmed Qasem from IF Elfsborg.
Woledzi’s arrival gives Nashville a proven, physical presence at the back as they look to maintain defensive stability while integrating new talent ahead of the 2026 season.
