Toronto FC reportedly set to land Juventus midfielder Sebastian Giovinco
Turns out Toronto FC wasn't done with their offseason overhaul.
The day after unveiling Jozy Altidore as their latest star signing, multiple reports emerged on Saturday that TFC is finalizing a deal to bring over Juventus midfielder Sebastian Giovinco. An announcement is expected to be made Monday or Tuesday but it appears Giovinco, 27, will finish the season with Juventus and then join the Reds in July.
According to both John Molinaro of Sportsnet and Gareth Wheeler of TSN the contract is for four years at $7 million US per season. Despite interest from clubs in Europe Giovinco decided to join the MLS side, in large part due to such a lucrative financial offer.
A versatile and dynamic attacking player, Giovinco has played for Juventus, Parma, and Empoli. He has earned 21 caps for the Italian national team.
Standing just 5-foot-5, Giovinco has often been overlooked because of his size. His quality is undeniable but there are numerous times throughout his career where he's seen less talented but more physical players picked ahead of him. Wheeler points out that the opportunity to be a star and showcase his skills was also appealing to a player with something to prove:
Giovinco's agent spent some time in Toronto and was impressed by the city and set-up. Giovinco is said to undaunted by the challenge and excited by the move. The spotlight he covets and the ability to shine are there for the taking.
Giovinco will be a designated player, but with Altidore, Michael Bradley, and Gilberto also falling under that designation, TFC is now over the MLS limit of three DPs per team. There remains a slight possibility that the league's next CBA, which is currently being negotiated, would allow for teams to have four DPs but at this point that seems unlikely. Should the rule stay the same Gilberto would be the one moved or have his contract payed down to a non DP-level.
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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
