Report: Italian Star Federico Bernardeschi to Join Toronto FC in MLS
Major League Soccer club Toronto FC is set to land another international star. Federico Bernardeschi reportedly is signing with Toronto on a free transfer from Serie A side Juventus, according to ESPN’s Taylor Twellman: Toronto first traded former MLS MVP Alejandro Pozuelo to Inter Miami, which opened the door for Bernardeschi to come through. The 28-year-old Bernardeschi, who can line up as a winger or a central attacking midfielder, has played the last five seasons with Juventus after spending 10 years developing in Fiorentina’s youth academy. He logged eight goals in 134 appearances during his tenure. Bernardeschi has also registered 39 caps with the senior Italian national team. His biggest feat was his involvement in the UEFA Euro 2020 Final – which took place in 2021 due to COVID-19 – against England. He came in as a substitute to the injured Federico Chiesa and later scored the eventual game-winning penalty kick in the shootout. Now with Toronto, he’ll be facing an uphill climb. Toronto is currently 12th place in the Eastern Conference and has the second-worst goal differential in the league at minus-10. Bernardeschi isn’t the only Italian international member to join Toronto this summer. Fellow winger Lorenzo Insigne also signed with the club on a free transfer after 12 seasons with Napoli, where he deposited 96 goals in 337 appearances.
Federico Bernardeschi linked with move to Toronto FC
The Italian Revolution continues? Following the arrivals of Lorenzo Insigne from Napoli and Domenico Criscito from Genoa, the Reds are now heavily linked with a move for former Juventus and Fiorentina winger, Federico Bernardeschi. The 28-year-old is currently a free agent after his contract with the Old Lady expired on June 30th. As per Michael Singh, a move to Toronto for Bernardeschi is very much on the cards, with the two parties currently in advanced negotiations. Bernardeschi endured a tough 2021-22 campaign at the club level, scoring just twice in 36 appearances in all competitions. The winger arrived in Turin back in July 2017, signing from Fiorentina in a deal worth €40 million. In five seasons with Juventus, Bernardeschi featured 183 times, scoring 12 goals and assisting 24. He also got his hands on seven major honours, including three Serie A titles. Despite interest from the likes of Sevilla, Atletico Madrid and Roma, it seems as though the Italy international could find himself playing in MLS in the coming weeks. While the move would be nothing short of eye-catching, it remains to be seen how Toronto FC will make room for Bernardeschi in their books. With the future of Carlos Salcedo seemingly uncertain and Alejandro Pozuelo set to join Inter Miami, a Designated Player spot will likely need to be vacated in order for Bernardeschi to sign for TFC. For now, stay tuned…
Toronto FC trading former league MVP Alejandro Pozuelo to Miami: report
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