USMNT star Walker Zimmerman attracted to future Premier League move

USMNT star Walker Zimmerman could see a move abroad in his future. 

The defender is making himself known in Major League Soccer, recently becoming the second ever American defender to receive Designated Player status. He was elevated to the coveted roster position after proving his worth with Nashville SC by recording seven goals and three assists in 55 regular-season appearances. 

His efforts have also earned him two consecutive MLS Defender of the Year accolades. While Zimmerman has become a pillar for the Western Conference side, the defender revealed he’s open to new challenges on the most recent episode of 90min’s Football Americana, with Yael Averbuch West.

Yael Averbuch West welcomed USMNT and Nashville SC Designated Player Walker Zimmerman for the latest episode of 90min's Football Americana. As the World Cup fast approaches, the defender revealed what's going on behind the scenes at recent USMNT camps - ahead of matches against Wales and England in Qatar. Zimmerman also spoke on the revolutionary CBA agreed upon by the US national teams and US Soccer, giving the USMNT’s side and perspective as the historic procedure went down. Subscribe to the series here.

“I'm a hundred percent open to it," he said. "I would love that opportunity to challenge myself. It obviously has to be the right fit because I am very happy with where I am. I'm happy in Nashville. I love the commitment that the club has made to me and my family since we've arrived. But I think at the same time, there's always that desire to play and challenge myself at the highest possible level.

“And so, then it just comes if there's an opportunity that makes sense and it makes sense for Nashville, it makes sense for me, it makes sense for the other team then I'm a hundred percent on board. So, we'll see what happens. Hopefully have a good World Cup, hopefully make that team, and contribute to a good run and we'll see what happens.”

Zimmerman’s eagerness for a new challenge shouldn’t come as a surprise, having spent his entire career in the United States, thus far. The defender was originally picked up by FC Dallas in 2013 as the seventh overall MLS SuperDraft pick. He spent five seasons with the Texas side, before joining LAFC for two years and Nashville SC in 2022. 

There is no exact European team on the horizon quite yet, but Zimmerman did admit one league is of particular interest.  

“I think your guess is as good as mine on a club that would be a good fit,” responded Zimmerman when asked if there was a bucket list team in Europe he’d play for. “But I do think that the English Premier League is a league that I have grown to watch a little bit more than others and think my game would be probably best suited for that league, but we'll see what happens. Take it day by day.”

After concluding the four-game June international window with the US men’s national team, Zimmerman is headed back to MLS action. He returns to the field on Sunday when hosting Sporting Kansas City at their newest home GEODIS Park.