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Nashville SC signs Benfica striker Jhonder Cadiz on loan as Designated Player

MLS expansion side Nashville SC have a new Designated Player, with the club announcing they acquired striker Jhonder Cadiz on loan from Portuguese giants Benfica.

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The Venezuela international, 25, spent last season on loan in France with Dijon and becomes Nashville's third DP signing, with the MLS club having an option to buy.

"Jhonder has been an outstanding striker at the highest of levels in both European and South American competitions, and we think his game is tailor-made for Major League Soccer," said Nashville SC General Manager Mike Jacobs. "The combination of his athleticism and clinical ability around the box made him heavily sought after. We feel fortunate to be able to add him to our club."

Cadiz, who scored two goals in 15 appearances with Dijon last season in Ligue 1, racked up 10 the previous season for Portugal's Vitoria Setubal, leading him to sign a five-year contract with Benfica in June 2019.

"I'm very excited to join Nashville SC and to be a part of this inaugural year for the club," Cadiz said in a statement. "I'm incredibly motivated to showcase my game in Nashville and Major League Soccer and to help the club reach every goal in 2020 and beyond."

Nashville returns to action Saturday against Atlanta United (stream live on ESPN+ at 8:30 p.m. ET in U.S.).