Toronto FC Sign Midfielder Benoît Cheyrou
By Phil Naegely
The signings continue to come in for Toronto FC. After signing USMNT striker Jozy Altidore and Italian international Sebastian Giovinco, many thought the Canadian side completed a solid offseason and were done making moves. Yet, TFC had other plans and have now signed midfielder Benoît Cheyrou on Thursday.
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Terms of his deal were not made known due to MLS rules and his arrival is pending his receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Cheyrou, 33, played seven seasons with Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille (Marseille) and made 304 combined appearances in Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup/Europa League, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue matches. He was named to Ligue 1’s Team of the Year three straight seasons (07-08, 08-09, 09-10).
This is another great find for TFC as they look to improve from last year’s disastrous season. Cheyrou’s arrival adds another piece is hopes of making the 2015 MLS Playoffs. TFC General Manager Tim Bezbatcheko is pleased with the wealth of knowledge and experience he brings to the team.
"“Benoit’s vision and his ability to distribute the ball are two very distinct qualities that have made him such a successful player throughout his career both domestically in France and in European competition,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “He has a wealth of experience and success and is another important piece that complements the ones we currently have in place. We are very excited to bring him to Toronto FC.”"
Toronto FC has more than enough solid pieces to make a deep playoff run. Yet, they will need to build chemistry and work together to make it work. Last season, TFC did not clinch a playoff spot partly due to Jermain Defoe’s injury and Michael Bradley’s World Cup call-up and fatigue afterwards. This year they will face the same challenge of Bradley missing time, but it seems Cheyrou will add depth to their midfield and be able to step up when the USMNT midfielder is away.
Cheyrou is ready to join his new team and prepare for the start of the new season.
“I’m very excited to sign for Toronto FC,” said Toronto FC midfielder Benoit Cheyrou. “I cannot wait to wear the jersey and join my new teammates.”
Toronto FC is showing other teams how to sign players despite uncertainty with the MLS CBA and talks between the league and the players union. With their latest signing, it is definitely playoffs or bust for Toronto FC, who is arguably having the best offseason among the 20 MLS teams.
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