While an official announcement isn’t expected until Saturday, multiple outlets are now reporting that Italian star Lorenzo Insigne will be signing with MLS’ Toronto FC.
Fresh off winning the European Championships with his Italian teammates this summer, Insigne is arguably at the peak of his powers, making his move to MLS among the more prominent signings in league history. The Italian international will be turning 31 this June and is expected to join his new teammates in July once his current contract expires.
Insigne has 11 seasons worth of Serie A experience under his belt, all of which have come with Napoli. For his career, he has 89goals in 319 Serie A appearances. The Napoli captain made his debut for Italy in 2012 and has 10 goals in 53 appearances for the Azzurri.
Toronto FC had a dismal season in 2021 posting a 6-18-10 record in MLS competition. Those with knowledge of the negotiations have indicated that the deal will reportedly make Insigne the highest paid player in Major League Soccer when he heads to Canada. Standing only 5’4” tall, Insigne is reminiscent of a former TFC player, Sebastian Giovinco who catapulted The Reds to the top of the standings during his time in Toronto.
When Giovinco joined TFC in 2015, his impact was immediate. He won the MLS top newcomer award, league MVP, MLS Golden Boot, and was named to the top XI list and all-star team. Toronto will be hoping that Insigne can have a similar impact as they attempt to reopen their window to compete.
With the final piece of the puzzle reportedly coming down to international taxes on the deal, sources say that Insigne will be a Red within the week. In addition to the Insigne signing, TFC has also been kicking the tires on fellow Italian international Andrea Belotti. Belotti is a striker with Torino whose deal is also set to expire this summer.
If TFC is able to land both players for the upcoming MLS season, their rebuild could be over before you know it. Champions in 2017, The Reds could be reloading in a big way this spring.
Toronto FC kicks off their 2022 season on February 26th against Dallas at 5:30pm ET.