LAFC trades USMNT’s Walker Zimmerman to expansion Nashville

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles FC has traded standout defender Walker Zimmerman to expansion Nashville SC for at least $950,000 in allocation money.

LAFC announced the deal Tuesday. The club also acquired an international roster spot for the upcoming season.

LAFC gets $600,000 in general allocation money from Nashville this season and $350,000 next season. The club will get $150,000 more in each of the next two seasons if Zimmerman meets undisclosed performance metrics.

Zimmerman has been a stalwart in LAFC’s defense since its inaugural season two years ago. He was an MLS All-Star and an MLS Best XI selection last season while LAFC won the Supporters’ Shield with Major League Soccer’s best record.

The seven-year MLS veteran started 51 games for LAFC, contributing five goals and two assists. The Georgia native immediately becomes a key player for Nashville, which begins its first MLS season Feb. 29 against Atlanta.

Zimmerman has also earned 12 starts for the U.S. national team.

LAFC made the move one week before it faces Mexico’s Club Leon in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Tristan Blackmon is likely to be Zimmerman’s replacement in central defense for LAFC. The 23-year-old Las Vegas native’s role has grown since he joined the club during its first season.