Sebastian Giovinco to join Toronto FC for start of MLS season
Sebastian Giovinco is on his way to Toronto FC.
At first expected to finish the Serie A season with Juventus and join TFC in July, the Italian club released Giovinco from his contract on Monday, allowing him to come over immediately. The Reds' training camp began last week in Toronto and continues this week in Florida.
Toronto FC opens the MLS regular season on March 7 against the Vancouver Whitecaps but they won't play a home game until May 10 because of the ongoing renovations at BMO Field.
With seven straight road games to start the season, getting Giovinco, 28, into the squad four months earlier than anticipated is terrific news. Instead of primarily sitting on the bench for Juventus, he'll be a key player right away and will even get some preseason time to get acclimated to his new situation.
The need to move Gilberto becomes the club's next top priority. The addition of Giovinco put TFC over the maximum number of designated players, and with Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley sure to stay, the Brazilian forward is the one that will be heading elsewhere. TFC must be roster compliant by March 1.
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Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr
