After a relatively disappointing 2022 MLS season, Toronto FC will be looking to make some big signings this offseason. But who has the team been able to attract in the past? Let’s take a look back at the 5 biggest Toronto FC signings of all time.
5. Jozy Altidore- Signed from Sunderland in 2015
Altidore signed with Toronto FC in 2015, returning to MLS seven years after leaving the New York Red Bulls. He was an immediate success, becoming a legend in TFC culture after his heroics in the 2017 MLS Cup Final. He is currently the club’s second all-time top goalscorer.
4. Sebastian Giovinco- Signed from Juventus in 2015
Mid-way through Juventus’ 2014/15 campaign, a season in which the team reached the Champions League Final, Giovinco made waves with his transfer to Toronto FC. With championship pedigree, Giovinco soon became one the biggest stars in the MLS, winning the MLS MVP, the MLS Golden Boot, and the MLS Newcomer of the Year during his debut campaign.
3. Michael Bradley- Signed from AS Roma in 2014
Known as the ‘Atomic Ant,’ Bradley’s career peaked in Toronto after he was signed from one of Europe’s most illustrious team’s in FC Roma. He was able to win his first tournament at club level with TFC in 2016, where the team won the Canadian Championship. He went on to captain the side when they took home the treble in 2017, cementing himself as a TFC legend.
2. Jermain Defoe- Signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2014
Defoe was in his sixth season with Tottenham when he signed with Toronto FC. As one of the best strikers in the Premier League at the time, the signing garnered much attention, making headlines across England and North America. Although his time in Canada was short-lived, he still managed to score 12 goals in 21 games.
1. Lorenzo Insigne- Signed from Napoli in 2022
Just one year after helping Italy win Euro 2020, Lorenzo Insigne was signed to Toronto FC in one of the biggest contracts in MLS history. Insigne signed for a five-and-a-half-year contract worth €11.5m per season, with the chance to get €4.5m in performance add-ons. This makes him the highest paid player in the MLS.
So far Insigne has made 12 appearances for TFC and been able to score 6 goals.
