Toronto FC: Time to wait and see for Sebastian Giovinco

Toronto FC‘s Sebastian Giovinco is still waiting for a deal, but the Reds look to be waiting it out at the moment.

A month or two ago, Sebastian Giovinco revealed some concern during a break between CONCACAF Champions League fixtures about the lack of progression with a new contract from Toronto FC.

Just recently, the Italian has now stated that he wants to remain with the North for the rest of his career. The news was broke by Pro Soccer USA as they noted Giovinco’s short, but not unusual comment when saying: “I want to stay here forever.”

At the time that the Atomic Ant was first discussing a new deal, a lack of movement from management was very alerting. The 31-year-old was in inspiring form within Champions League play especially in terms of ball distribution and goal scoring.

Now with the CL behind TFC, Giovinco is starting to show signs of struggling in domestic play. Seba only has two goals which five other members of the current squad share for the team-lead. The former Juventus striker also carries three yellow cards and one red card, both of which lead the Reds.

The most concerning from the list above is his lack of goal scoring, which Toronto heavily relied on last season. Of course, fans shouldn’t ask for 20 goals consistently from an aging player, but on the same note, Gio is the highest-paid player in the MLS for a reason.

Free-kicks and penalties haven’t been strong for Giovinco as they were last season. The only encouragement at the moment in terms of Giovinco’s shooting is that he leads the squad with 7.3 shots per contest while also notching two Man of the Match performances under his belt.

Giovinco needs to find the back of the net soon or a contract may not be in sight. With Jozy Altidore out, the burden for goal scoring falls on the Italian’s shoulders. It’s really the time to see if Giovinco is worthy of performing in the spotlight for his new deal.

Pro Soccer USA also goes on to note that the former MLS MVP thinks that he doesn’t need to do much of that anymore, here are his exact words:

"“I don’t know,” he said when asked if there was a reason behind the changes. “I don’t know what I think. I think I don’t have to think — this is the problem.”"

It’s a sticky situation from a player that goes with the flow and usually stays quiet from the media. However, it doesn’t come as a shock that Giovinco must be feeling some sort of pressure from a Reds squad that is currently struggling.

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TFC currently sit with ten points on the table, which is nine points back of Orlando City for the last Eastern Conference playoff spot. A major setback again is the goals for column so far as Toronto has only been able to put in 14, which is tied for the lowest total in the East.

It’s not the time to panic for the Reds. There’s still a lot of fixtures to be played, and a lot of potential points to be secured. However, in terms of Giovinco, more needs to happen especially in the offensive front.

The chances are currently there for the forward, but the problem is finishing them. It’s rather obvious to see why Tim Bezbatchenko is waiting to start the contract negotiation.

Giovinco has the time to shine in the new month ahead and for the rest of the campaign. It’s time to put the small talk aside, and put work in on the pitch. The pressure is on, and it’s time to wait and see if number ten can finish the job and his career with TFC.

Next: Toronto FC receive a reminder of what they’re playing for

Is Giovinco deserving of a contract from his play so far this season? Do you think the Italian will be able to impress the management for the rest of the campaign in order to get his wish done? Share what you think in the comments section below.