The MLS is undergoing new discussions about its current format and its future after the participation of North American teams in the Club World Cup failed to live up to expectations, with only Inter Miami advancing from the group stage. However, the week that marked the end of the US teams' run in the FIFA tournament, Toronto FC announced the departure of yet another star in the league.
Toronto FC have confirmed the termination of former Juventus striker Federico Bernardeschi's contract, citing as the main reason one of his two guaranteed contract terminations, which each MLS team receives per season. Even though he was performing below expectations, this move comes as a surprise considering that the current season is far from over.
At the age of 31, Federico Bernardeschi arrived in Toronto from Juventus as a designated player in the middle of the 2022 season. However, the club has claimed that it has agreed that this is the famous "right time" to determine the striker's departure, thanking him very much for his services and wishing him luck for the rest of his career, which could be far away from Concacaf teams.
In all, Bernardeschi made 134 appearances for Juventus over five seasons, scoring eight goals and contributing 15 assists. He also made 39 appearances for the Italian national team, including the final of Euro 2020, the last moment of glory for the Italians when they won the tournament on penalties against England at Wembley Stadium.
Why did Toronto FC decide to get rid of Bernardeschi?
Bernardeschi had four goals and four assists in 15 games in the current MLS season. However, it's important to note that the striker has been in the All-Star team for four seasons, scoring 25 goals and providing 12 assists in 88 games. The Italian has an undeniable quality on dribbles and trough balls, as well as being important on crosses. On the other hand, he has little defensive contribution and an extremely weak discipline.