Toronto FC: Who will they target after moving up allocation ranking order?
By Paul Taylor
Toronto FC prime themselves to acquire a player, after trading with the San José Earthquakes for the number two spot in the Allocation Ranking Order.
Something is afoot with Toronto FC and you can guarantee the passionate fan base is intrigued. And with good reason.
As reported by Torontofc.ca, the Reds acquired the number two spot in the 2019 Allocation Ranking Order from the San José Earthquakes on Monday. In exchange, the Earthquakes received $75,000 of General Allocation Money, $75,000 for Targeted Allocation Money and the number six spot in the Allocation Ranking Order.
After finishing the 2018 regular season with the joint fifth-worst points total in MLS, this move alone shows TFC are determined to improve. While you can justifiably argue they weren’t as bad as their record showed — the majority of the same team won the MLS Cup just a year earlier — any additions to strengthen the roster should be welcomed.
As per mlssoccer.com, the Allocation Ranking List includes select U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) players, elite U.S. Youth National Team players and players transferred outside of MLS with a transfer fee of $500,000 (US) and above.
More from Toronto FC
- Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
- Toronto FC remodel continues with departure of Alejandro Pozuelo
- Toronto FC looking to move on from Carlos Salcedo
- As Lorenzo Insigne arrives, Toronto FC looks to get back on track
- Toronto FC: 3 takeaways from 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew
The only team which now stands above Toronto FC in the allocation list, is expansion side FC Cincinnati. Regardless, they are still well positioned to pick up someone who could prove very useful.
As to who the Reds will specifically target, this is open to debate. From reviewing the updated 2019 Allocation Ranking List, players who stand out include DeAndre Yedlin and Tim Ream; the Canadian Press via Toronto Star also point out Omar Gonzalez and Geoff Cameron.
All four have considerable experience of playing for the USMNT, which is extremely beneficial. It is also noticeable that they are all defenders.
As excellent as TFC were defensively in 2017, they were just as terrible in 2018 (37 and 64 goals conceded respectively). Along those line, defenders are desperately needed.
Of the four, Yedlin is arguably the most intriguing, especially with his combination of age, Premier League experience, speed and overall talent. Whether Toronto FC can actually acquire him — assuming they are even interested in the player — remains to be seen.
dark. Next. What now for Clint Irwin?
Who do you predict Toronto FC will make a move for via the allocation process? Is there anyone in particular you would like to see them target? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.