Toronto FC ends failed Italian experiment, buys out Bernardeschi, Insigne next
Over-spending at the wrong time on the wrong players caught up with Toronto FC.
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Toronto FC’s disastrous decision to splash wads of cash at two former Italian stars will go down as one of the worst forays in team history, which is really saying something given some of the early mistakes.
But finally, the pain is over for long-suffering fans of the Reds. First, Federico Bernardeschi, who to be fair, at least tried and produced some results over the years, had his contract terminated on Tuesday, Toronto FC announced in a Canada Day news dump.
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“After internal discussions with Federico, we were aligned that this was the correct moment to part ways,” Toronto FC general manager Jason Hernandez said in a statement. “We would like to thank Fede for his contributions to Toronto FC over the past three years and wish him the best in the next chapter of his career.”
The team used one of its two buyouts of a guaranteed contract on Bernardeschi.
“The Designated Player strategy is a critical component to Toronto FC’s success in Major League Soccer and the club will continue to prioritize TFC’s short, medium and long-term strategy in the weeks ahead,” MLSE president & CEO Keith Pelley said in the statement of future moves.
Bernardeschi, 31, made 88 MLS regular season appearances for the Reds since joining Toronto FC halfway through the 2022 season.He had four goals and four assists through 15 matches this season and was twice named to the MLS Team of the Matchday. In 2024, he was selected to participate in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. In all, Bernardeschi recorded 26 goals and 22 assists through 99 combined appearances across all competitions (MLS, Canadian Championship and Leagues Cup) for TFC.
Not long after announcing Bernardeschi’s exit, TFC confirmed that Insigne, one of the biggest busts in MLS history, was exiting as well.
“The Club would like to thank Lorenzo for his efforts over the last three years,” Hernandez said in a release. “After several meaningful discussions, we are happy to have found a solution that is agreeable to all parties involved. We wish Lorenzo all the best moving forward.”
TFC said Insigne’s previous wages will not count against the club’s 2025 salary budget.
Insigne recorded only one goal and three assists this season and just four goals in each of the previous two seasons.
Only the great Lionel Messi makes more than Insigne’s $15.4 million U.S. this season. Bernardeschi ranks sixth at $6.295.
Both had a year left on their contracts.
TFC is 13th of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference, well out of the playoff picture this season and has not made the post-season since 2020.
Bernardeschi did not play after May 24 when he was suspended one game for yellow card accumulation.
Insigne, 34, has missed two straight and the team has said it was looking at younger players instead of playing the veteran.
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