Sam Surridge is an English forward who currently plays for Major League Soccer side Nashville SC. Known for his physical presence, goal-scoring instincts, and ability to adapt across levels, Surridge has risen through the English football pyramid before making his move to the United States.
Early Life and Youth Development
Born in Slough, Berkshire, on July 28, 1998, Surridge moved to Ferndown in Dorset at a young age. He began his football journey with local club Bournemouth Sports before joining the AFC Bournemouth academy at the age of 14. His development through the Cherries’ youth ranks set the stage for a professional career that would see him go out on several productive loan spells.
AFC Bournemouth and Loan Successes
Surridge quickly established himself in Bournemouth’s youth setup, earning a scholarship and impressing with his scoring form. During the 2016–17 season, he gained valuable senior experience on loan at Poole Town in National League South, making an impression with his performances.
In August 2017, he stepped up to League Two with a season-long loan at Yeovil Town. He made his professional debut against Luton Town and finished the season with 10 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions.
The following year, Surridge moved to Oldham Athletic on loan, again in League Two. He hit form quickly, scoring five goals in September and earning the League Two Player of the Month award. His tally reached 12 goals before Bournemouth recalled him in January 2019. He capped that season with his Premier League debut for Bournemouth in a match against Arsenal.
Breakthrough at Swansea and Return to Bournemouth
For the 2019–20 campaign, Surridge joined Championship side Swansea City on loan. He netted seven goals in 23 appearances, showcasing his ability at a higher level before being recalled by Bournemouth at the turn of the year.
Back at his parent club, Surridge signed a long-term contract and continued to feature in cup and league matches. He scored his first goal for the club in an FA Cup clash with Arsenal in January 2020. Although he thought he had scored his first Premier League goal against Southampton, the effort was disallowed by VAR. Coaches at Bournemouth often cited Surridge as a model for how young players could climb through the ranks with perseverance.
Move to Stoke City
Surridge joined Championship club Stoke City in August 2021 on a four-year deal. He scored the winner on his debut against Reading and continued his goal-scoring form in the EFL Cup. However, a lengthy goalless spell followed, and after being sent off in a match against Peterborough, his time at the club came to an early end in the January transfer window. Stoke’s manager later revealed that Surridge found it difficult to settle at the club.
Nottingham Forest and Promotion to the Premier League
On the final day of the January 2022 transfer window, Surridge signed for Nottingham Forest. He made an immediate impact, scoring in the FA Cup and finishing the second half of the season with seven goals in 20 league appearances. His contributions helped Forest secure promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.
In the Premier League, Surridge had limited starts during the 2022–23 season, scoring once in a draw against his former club Bournemouth.
Nashville SC and MLS Impact
In July 2023, Surridge signed with MLS side Nashville SC as a Designated Player in a deal reportedly worth \$6.5 million. He joined on a contract through 2026, with an option for 2027.
Surridge quickly made headlines in MLS. On May 4, 2024, he scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 win over CF Montréal, becoming just the second player in club history to achieve the feat. In April 2025, he went a step further, netting four goals in a dominant 7–2 victory over Chicago Fire.
Key details:
- Full Name: Samuel William Surridge
- Date of Birth: July 28, 1998 (age 26)
- Nationality: English
- Height: 6’2″ (191 cm)
- Position: Forward
- Foot: Right
- Club: Nashville SC (since July 2023)
- Jersey Number: 9
- Current Season (2025): He has featured in every game for Nashville SC, starting all seven matches.
- Recent Performance: He scored one goal and provided one assist in the 2025 MLS season, as of April 5th.
- Previous Clubs: Nottingham Forest, Stoke City, Bournemouth, Swansea City, Oldham Athletic, and Yeovil Town.
- Contract: His contract with Nashville SC expires on December 31, 2026, with a club option for an additional year.
