NASHVILLE, TN — On Tuesday, Nashville SC announced the signing of defender Maxwell Woledzi. The center back is the club's first signing ahead of the 2026 MLS season, joining from Norwegian club Fredrikstad FK for a transfer fee reportedly in excess of $1.6 million. Woledzi's contract runs through the 2028 season with a club option for 2029.
“Maxwell is a tremendous player and leader who will be a great addition to our club. We are excited to be able to add him to our group for the 2026 season,” said Nashville SC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Mike Jacobs in the club’s press release.
Woledzi, 24, came through the famed Right To Dream academy in Ghana, before moving to Danish club Nordsjælland. After three years in Denmark and one season with Vitória SC's B team in Portugal, Woledzi moved to Fredrikstad FK in the Norwegian top flight.
Player of the Year ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/0pyYmnEd81
— Fredrikstad FK (@fredrikstadfk) November 24, 2025
In two seasons with Fredrikstad, Woledzi has made 88 appearances. During his time in Norway, Fredrikstad conceded just 70 goals in 60 league matches, the second-best defensive record in the top flight. Their 93 points were the fifth-best in that span, finishing in sixth place in 2024 and earning a spot in the UEFA Conference League playoffs in 2025.
Over two legs, Fredrikstad fell 1-0 to English side Crystal Palace, going toe-to-toe with a Premier League club in a series where Woledzi stood out. He was named Fredrikstad Player of the Year in 2025.
Off the pitch, Woledzi has been heavily involved in the community, starting both the Maxwell Woledzi foundation and The Hijab Project in his home country of Ghana.
Woledzi will occupy an international roster spot.
