Toronto FC smart to sign Lucas Janson

Toronto FC are reportedly being heavily linked with capturing the services of forward Lucas Janson from Argentine outfit Tigre.

Toronto FC are rumoured to be interested in Lucas Janson. The news came on Saturday from One Football, who claim the forward is being shopped around by Tigre as a loan option:

"Janson has been closely linked with a move to Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. TFC has recently freed up an international roster spot by trading Nicolas Hasler and cleared squad space when Spanish midfielder Ager Aketxe returned to Cádiz CF on loan last month.The Reds would sign Janson initially on a six-month loan with an option to purchase the player later if he impresses."

Janson would be a very promising addition to Greg Vanney’s attacking midfield if he were to be signed. The 23-year-old enjoys using creativity to pick out runs to the box, while also closing in towards goal to take shots himself.

Janson seems very balanced in that respect. Regardless of his small frame, he can still find ways to work around the pitch in a manner similar to Sebastian Giovinco. In addition, the Argentine’s age suggests his prime years of football are dawning.

TFC, of course, would want to cash in on that. The Reds will also want to link up with Janson’s impressive three goals and assists, with 2.2 shots per game and an 83 percent pass success rate. That contributes to an overall 26 passes per fixture with one key pass in each contest, per WhoScored.

Janson loves to use his head to go for goal, while also being a big threat from indirect set pieces. His versatility allows the prospect to play on the wing or as a striker, to go along with his natural position from the attacking midfield.

Vanney has to be looking for more depth in the attacking midfield. At the moment Jonathan Osorio is the main occupant of the area, while Giovinco occasionally drops back to the position. Plus, Ager Aketxe could return to Toronto from his loan to Spain, which would put four players in the rotation including Janson.

Janson should also come much cheaper for now as a result of the rumored interest for a loan from the Reds. If TFC were to buy at the end of the loan, Transfermarkt currently values the Argentine around £3 million, which Toronto would likely need to match to permanently secure him.

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The news should come with some excitement from Toronto supporters, as it puts some light on a rather quiet summer of transfer business from general manager Tim Bezbatchenko.

Adding Janson on loan should also bring a smile because it’s a safer option. There’s a lot of potential in this player, but if things don’t work out right now, TFC can simply send Janson back to Tigre. It was a lesson learned from the Aketxe scenario recently.

However, this shouldn’t be the end of business from the Reds. Luckily, the squad welcomed back the services of Chris Mavinga and Drew Moor at centre-back, which was a position lacking depth to the maximum when injuries occurred. This is the reason why Michael Bradley occasionally featured on the back-line.

More needs to be added to the defence. It’s not just injuries which could happen in that area, but it’s also the age of players starting in that area. Reinforcements will have to come sooner rather than later.

Stay tuned for more transfer news from Toronto and keep your fingers crossed for the Janson move to come to fruition.

What are your thoughts on the Janson rumors? Does Toronto FC have to add more during this tranfser period? Let us know in the comments section below.