Robert’s Rant: Lorenzo Insigne signing shows Toronto FC fighting to be the face of the MLS again

January 6, 2022 · 0 Comments

By Robert Belardi

Opinion

When Sebastian Giovinco was in town, Toronto FC ran the MLS. At that time, when you thought of Major League Soccer, you immediately thought of Toronto. The Reds went to two consecutive MLS Cup Finals at BMO Field in 2016 and 2017, winning once.

When Giovinco left the club in 2019, despite returning to the MLS Cup Final one more time, the club was simply not the same. There was an energy that seemed to have dissipated.

When the club was rumoured this past fall to have been seriously interested in Napoli winger Lorenzo Insigne, I thought it was all completely bogus. Why would Insigne at the prime of his career and coming off a European championship with Italy, come to Toronto?

And when the 30-year-old Partenopei forward officially agreed to an MLS record five-and-a-half-year deal worth $13 million USD and $5.1 million USD in add-ons, I was baffled. I couldn’t believe what I had read. With Insigne’s contract expiring at Napoli, the 5-foot-4 winger will be in Toronto next summer.

In the aftermath of digesting the latest spectacle, it all began making sense to me from both the club and the player point of views. Let’s take a look.

Through Toronto FC’s Eyes

We all know Toronto FC have not had a popular name since Sebastian Giovinco left town. But this past summer, I believe Toronto FC executives were reminded how an Italian player can impact this club once again.

Fans of Italian descent celebrated all over Canada as Italy defeated England on penalties to capture their second Euro cup in history. So why not prioritize an Italian player to come here? Fans need to be back in the stands this summer. Last season was filled with struggle and empty seats. Bringing Insigne to Toronto would be the best addition the club has ever had and one that would cement Toronto’s place at the top of the MLS for years to come.

And in the club’s eyes, one Italian isn’t enough. Rumour has it, The Reds are targeting Insigne’s compatriot and Euro 2020 champion Andrea Belotti. The club is also looking at 35-year-old Genoa left back Domenico Criscito and according to Football Italia, he will be coming to Toronto in June.

Through Insigne’s Eyes

Coming to Toronto, Insigne has reportedly been promised a home and a vehicle along with his deal according to Tribal Football. Of course, Insigne will be coming to a city where it won’t be difficult to find places to speak his native tongue. There are sentiments all across the city that will remind him at home. Surely, it will not be an upheaval to get acclimated with the city and the lifestyle over here.

As Insigne prepares to come to Toronto FC, he is most certainly coming for the money. Napoli, which is not exactly one of Italy’s most lucrative football clubs, cannot pay their hometown boy the salary Toronto FC is willing to fork out.

When his name is stationed beside the headline as the MLS’ highest paid player ever how could you say no? Just as Marlon Brando said in The Godfather, you have to make him an offer he can’t refuse. Insigne most definitely could not refuse.

But surely, Insigne understands this will complicate his international career with his country. Coming to Toronto will also come with another price. But this might be one that Insigne is ready to live with.

Because he is now halfway across the world and with qualifying matches happening throughout the MLS season, Insigne might also be saying to his family and fans that his days with the Italian national team are at an end. Unless Italy has something to say about it, then yes, that will become a different story. The Italian national team does not have a winger that can also supplement the #10 role on the pitch. Losing Insigne on the team will be tough to replace.

Also coming to Toronto might mean that Insigne understands his time in European football is over because of his height.

At 5-foot-4, players that are this size tend not to have a long-life span. Insigne is an incredible talent but unfortunately, he is no Messi or Maradona. Giovinco could most definitely advocate for the same thing.

When he comes to Major League Soccer next year, he will undoubtedly, spearhead Toronto FC into another direction. With The Reds also signing Bob Bradley as their new head coach, the club is preparing to become a dynasty team once again. And management is seeking Italian players once again to do it.

The Naples, Italy native has made north of 300 appearances with his boyhood club in the Serie A. He helped lead Napoli to a Coppa Italia victory in a shootout over Juventus in 2020.