Toronto FC: Gionvinco’s Future in Question After Offer from China
By Paul Taylor
Toronto FC would never willingly let Sebastian Giovinco leave, but the recent proposals from China represent their biggest challenge yet.
Shortly after Toronto FC‘s heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to the Seattle Sounders, Sebastian Giovinco was asked about his future in MLS. At the time, he stressed he had no plans to leave yet.
Giovinco said: “I’m very happy here, I have goals here that I want to achieve. Once those goals have been achieved, then you can ask the same question.”
However, even though those goals presumably include winning an MLS Cup, it seems that very same question is already set to be asked again. As reported by several media outlets, Giovinco has received a huge offer from a Super League club in China.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Giovinco’s agent Andrea D’Amico said: “We need to analyze the situation. The Chinese club seems to be very interested, but I don’t think it’ll be easy to take him away from Toronto.”
More from Tip of the Tower
- Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
- Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
- Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
- Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
- Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith
No doubt the last part of those comments will make TFC fans nervous. It essentially alludes to D’Amico attempting to do his best to persuade the Reds to let his client leave. (And let’s be honest, the agent stands to benefit financially from such a move.)
For their part, Toronto FC states they have received no contact regarding any offer. However, what really matters is how the 2015 MLS MVP feels about this whole situation.
In that respect — officially at least — Giovinco still insists he is content playing in North America. He spoke to TSN and the rest of the media, after arriving at training camp on Tuesday.
Giovinco said: “When I was back in Italy my friends ask me about MLS. I say I am happy, I like it here.”
The comments were noteworthy, for the fact it was the first time the Italian spoke to the media in English, without a translator. Regardless, there have been plenty of occasions in professional sports, where a player publicly insists he is happy somewhere, before moving on to pastures new.
To make matters more interesting, it now seems there’s even more interest in the former Juventus player. D’Amico once again spoke to the media on Tuesday evening, as reported by Football Italia.
D’Amico said: “We’ve received concrete proposals from two Chinese clubs, which then have to be passed on to Toronto. When faced with certain figures, it’s hard to say no.
“The figures mentioned are far beyond Sebastian’s current wages. That’s an issue, because the career of a professional football player is not that long.”
In theory at least, Toronto FC are in a position of strength, with Giovinco under contract for three more seasons. Why would they willingly let a player go, especially during the most successful period in franchise history?
Of course, there is the reality that players — rightly or wrongly — often get their own way in the world of professional football. And with Giovinco’s agent discussing the matter so publicly, TFC’s year is already at a crucial point, even with the regular season still more than a month away.
Next: Brandon Aubrey Could Prove to be a Steal
What’s your position regarding the interest from China – do you think Giovinco will stay or go? Further, do you believe him when he says he’s happy in Toronto, or is it a public smokescreen, especially when you consider his agent’s comments to the media? Share your thoughts in the comments section.