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Toronto FC: Lackluster offseason could be saved with recent moves

By Nick McAdam

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 03: Marcos Guilherme (L) of Atletico and Auro of Sao Paulo in action during the match between Sao Paulo and Atletico PR for the Brazilian Series A 2015 at Morumbi stadium on October 03, 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 03: Marcos Guilherme (L) of Atletico and Auro of Sao Paulo in action during the match between Sao Paulo and Atletico PR for the Brazilian Series A 2015 at Morumbi stadium on October 03, 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images) /
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It’s been a dull offseason for Toronto FC so far, but recent rumors suggest that the Reds may be pulling the trigger just a month before the season starts.

Toronto FC have only made one signing in the MLS transfer period. North America will now see Gregory van der Wiel in a TFC kit. The defender was formerly with Paris Saint-Germain, but comes to Southern Ontario at 30-years-old.

TFC’s short-lived prime looks to be running out of time, or a least that’s what the management is suggesting. Toronto has targeted another veteran player for depth in Darwin Quintero from Mexican super-club, Club America.

The Colombian, who is also 30, hasn’t done poorly this season, but his numbers suggest he’s more of a bench player alongside Tosaint Ricketts. Quintero has three goals and eight assists this season in all competitions.

The Vancouver Whitecaps are also rumored to be interested, but TFC have reportedly struck with the first bid. It’s a high one too. Quintero is valued around £2.5 million, while the Reds are believed to have come in with a $5 million offer. Here’s what mlssoccer.com said:

"Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC are interested in adding Quintero. According to the report, Toronto have offered $5 million for Quintero, while Vancouver are mulling an offer for the player.TFC faced Club América in a preseason friendly in Mexico City on Thursday, as preparation for the start of CONCACAF Champions League play later this month. Quintero scored a goal in a 6-3 win for the Liga MX outfit."

It seems a bit excessive to pull the trigger with the monetary amount suggested for a player of that age. Three years will go by, and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko might wish he didn’t spend the money.

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On the other hand, TFC can’t stay with the same squad as last season. Quintero could provide some scoring depth if one of Sebastian Giovinco or Jozy Altidore goes down.

Brazilian right-back Auro is now set to come up North, which will make it three defenders competing for the right back position.

The 22-year-old has logged over 1,000 minutes with 30 appearances in the Brazilian Serie A, and looks to be an addition for the future.

It’s another move that kind of seems silly. The Reds just bought van der Wiel and they already have Justin Morrow, who can play both sides of the pitch. Auro might not see much of the pitch, but he could be a nice young sub that adds pace to games in the dying minutes.

It’s been a confusing window for Toronto FC. They surely made some money after victory in the MLS Cup, but don’t look to have had a clear plan what to spend it on.

Next: TFC add more depth with Brazilian fullback Auro

Depth might be a concern to Greg Vanney, as he looks for more silverware. Don’t forget the CONACAF Champions League starts soon, and players like Auro and Quintero are frequently used in that competition.

Maybe the Reds will prove us wrong after all. Stay tuned.

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