Toronto FC: Eyes point towards Washington Corozo

By Nick McAdam | Jul 24, 2018

TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: A general view of the new roof during the first half of an MLS soccer game between FC Dallas and Toronto FC at BMO Field on May 7, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Another rumor relating to Toronto FC has emerged, this time revolving around Ecuadorian striker Washington Corozo.

Multiple reports are confirming that Toronto FC are scouting Washington Corozo, a forward who is currently with Ecuadorean club side Independiente. Daniel Karell of NBC Sports writes:

"It’s no secret that Toronto FC has struggled mightily since falling in the CONCACAF Champions League final, but the club’s woes in front of goal could be solved soon.Toronto FC is looking at 20-year-old Ecuadorian striker Washington Corozo. The youngster has featured in the past for Ecuador’s Under-17 and Under-20 youth national teams, including playing against the U.S. Under-20 MNT during the 2017 U-20 World Cup."

The rumor serves as a reminder to supporters that general manager Tim Bezbatchenko is following through with his promise to add to the current squad. On the other hand, the news only adds steam to other players who could soon find themselves on the way out.

Corozo could be a quick replacement for Tosaint Ricketts, who is the subject of ongoing trade talk. Even Sebastian Giovinco has been involved in some recent speculation, and even though the reality of him leaving seems unlikely, the forward area of the pitch is still claiming the headlines for the Reds.

Corozo doesn’t stand out too much in terms of his domestic stats. He has only played in a handful of fixtures in Ecuador’s Serie A, with just a yellow card to show for it.

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Corozo is either not in the squad or on the bench a good portion of the time. If he plays, the forward puts in around 70 minutes maximum before being subbed off. A new season is dawning in Ecuador’s domestic competition, so it remains to be seen if he earns more minutes.

International play is where Corozo has made a quiet name for himself, with the country’s youth football program. Corozo has played with both the U-20 and U-17 sides, playing a total of 27 times and scoring seven goals.

Corozo’s play for his country shows signs of encouragement. Stats aside, his pace and determination to get on the ball resemble signs of a younger version of what Ricketts currently has to offer.

Corozo regularly plays on the left or right wing, but with more experience, coach Greg Vanney can develop him into more of a rotational forward who can play anywhere up top.

The best part is that Corozo is currently valued at around £180,000. He would be a cheap option in a bench position that will only need to be filled in due time.

With Jordan Hamilton rising through the ranks, adding Corozo will provide a younger spark to a forward core that’s aging by the minute. At the moment, scouting is the only thing being rumored, but it would be a great move for the Reds to take the next steps in solidifying the future of their attack.

Next: Is Tosaint Ricketts set to be traded?

Is it worth Toronto FC signing Corozo? If a deal is reached, where would you like to see Corozo in the Reds’ lineup? Let us know in the comments section below.

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