Jonathan Pérez: 2024 report card

Today we’re continuing our report card series by looking at Nashville’s newest face, Jonathan “Jonny” Pérez, who had an impressive first few months in the Music City on loan from LA Galaxy.

2024 Grade: A-

2024 by the numbers

Appearances: 7
Minutes: 300
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
G+ per 96: +0.13

2024 in review

Pérez started 2024 with the monumental task of breaking into the LA Galaxy squad. He was unable to establish himself with the California side, but that wasn’t necessarily his fault. The Galaxy’s star-studded forward line was too deep for the 21-year-old to leave his mark, and it only got deeper in the summer.

It was clear that Pérez needed to find his first team minutes elsewhere, that’s where Nashville came in. Despite reported interest from Liga MX teams, Pérez chose Nashville as his loan destination.

He quickly became an important piece for the Boys in Gold, featuring in seven out of 11 available games (two starts). His ability to progress the ball as a more forward-thinking and creative player was something Nashville really needed. While his end product is still inconsistent, his work ethic and relentlessness caused the opposition a lot of issues. 

Moment of the season

In Nashville’s September 2-2 draw against FC Cincinnati, Pérez played a beautiful cross to Taylor Washington who sets up Sam Surridge for the goal. Pérez’s involvement helped Nashville take the lead inside four minutes and earn a respectable draw against FC Cincinnati.

Looking forward

Pérez is still only on a loan deal with Nashville through hat could be extended until the end of 2025. Nashville can also trigger his purchase option at any point, and considering his performances, that is the likely scenario.

The Mexican-American winger will be looking to establish himself in the Nashville SC squad in 2025. Nashville has a much clearer path for him than the Galaxy has ever offered. While he isn’t going to be an automatic starter, Pérez will get his chances, especially with Tyler Boyd recovering from injury and Jacob Shaffelburg’s international duty.

Perhaps the only thing that would prevent him from having more minutes is his defensive work. BJ Callaghan’s philosophy depends on all 10 outfield players putting in the work on both sides of the ball. He will also be competing with MLS veterans Teal Bunbury and Alex Muyl, and the young winger will need to show that he is capable of at least matching their efforts.