Arrivederci. Toronto FC buys out hefty contracts of Italy’s Insigne, Bernardeschi

Toronto FC has officially announced the departure of Italian designated players Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, marking the end of a costly and disappointing era for the struggling Major League Soccer club. The decision to terminate their contracts was made mutually, with Toronto FC utilizing their two permitted buyouts to part ways with the underperforming players.

General Manager Jason Hernandez expressed his satisfaction with the resolution, stating, “After several meaningful discussions, we are happy to have found a solution that is agreeable to all parties involved.” The high-profile signings of Insigne and Bernardeschi in the middle of the 2022 season were met with excitement and anticipation, but ultimately failed to deliver the desired results on the pitch.

Lorenzo Insigne, 34, was the second-highest earner in MLS this season, with a salary of $15.4 million US, trailing only Lionel Messi. Federico Bernardeschi, 31, was earning $6.295 million this season, ranking sixth in the league in terms of salary. Despite their hefty paychecks, the two Italian stars were unable to propel Toronto FC back to its former glory.

Both Insigne and Bernardeschi had contracts that extended for several years, with options for additional seasons. However, their lackluster performances and the team’s continued struggles led to the decision to part ways. Toronto FC currently sits at 13th in the Eastern Conference, well below the playoff line and facing an uphill battle to salvage the season.

With the departure of their designated players, Toronto FC now has two vacant designated player spots available. The club’s president and CEO, Keith Pelley, emphasized the importance of the designated player strategy in shaping the team’s future success and indicated that decisions regarding new signings would be made in the coming weeks.

Insigne scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in 76 appearances for Toronto FC across all competitions, while Bernardeschi contributed 26 goals and 22 assists in 99 matches. Despite their individual achievements, the team’s overall performance did not meet expectations, leading to their eventual departure.

Federico Bernardeschi shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to play for Toronto FC and the MLS. He hinted at a new chapter in his career, with rumors linking him to a move to Italy’s Bologna. Insigne, on the other hand, had a more subdued exit, having sat out the last two games for Toronto FC.

The underwhelming performances of Insigne and Bernardeschi highlighted the challenges of integrating high-profile players into a new league and team environment. Despite their initial promise, injuries, language barriers, and tactical adjustments hindered their ability to make a significant impact on the pitch.

The legacy of Insigne and Bernardeschi at Toronto FC will be remembered for the potential that never materialized and the lessons learned about the complexities of building a successful team in Major League Soccer. As the club looks ahead to the future, the focus will be on finding players who can make a lasting impact both on and off the field.