Toronto FC just got a lot more dangerous. TFC will announce the signing of a new player next week, Italian International, Sebastian Giovinco. After sending Jermain Defoe back to England and signing Jozy Altidore yesterday, TFC is making a strong case for being a top team in MLS in 2015 with this signing. With Giovinco headed to MLS, it makes many wonder if this is the best move to ever occur in league history.
With everything going on surrounding the Defoe and Altidore moves, TFC continue to keep the spotlight directly on them by adding Giovinco. Sportsnet broke the story earlier today after their inside sources received confirmation about the signing.
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The Reds were not the only club looking at the Italian midfielder. With his contract set to expire at the end of the Serie A season, Giovinco made it clear that he wanted to move away from Italian giant, Juventus. According to many sources for Sportsnet, Giovinco will take up a massive amount of cash, his deal will make him $7 Million a year over four years. Money certainly talks when it comes to bringing International talent over to MLS.
Giovinco will finish out the 2014-2015 Serie A season with Juventus and join Toronto is July. The European invasion taking place this July will forever change the landscape of MLS. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard also make the jump to MLS in July. With all three of these moves getting set to happen in July, it makes you wonder who the next player from Europe will be to come to MLS.
The talented midfielder will turn 28 later this month, making him incredibly valuable to the growth of MLS. TFC now carry four DP’s going into the 2015 MLS season. Unfortunately, a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached between MLS and the Player’s Union, which would increase the DP limit to four players per team, then one DP must go, meaning Gilberto.
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Since Toronto just signed Altidore, and Bradley and him are best buds on the USMNT, TFC would be crazy to ship Bradley off somewhere. Gilberto did his best to carry the offense for TFC in 2014. The Brazilian tallied seven goals and five assists while appearing in 28 games for the club.
After spending just one year in MLS, Gilberto most likely will need to find himself a new club before March. Which should not be to difficult, especially with many clubs looking for a good forward.
Giovinco carries a lot of international experience and respect over to MLS with him. His number might not showcase all that he carries with him though. Giovinco has tallied one goal in 12 appearances for Italy and 12 goals over 91 appearances for Juventus since 2006.
The speed and technique of the 5’5″ midfielder will partner well with Bradley and give Altidore someone else to attack with. This move is a terrific one for the league and for TFC.