Toronto FC: Clarifying Sebastian Giovinco’s future in Toronto

With speculation regarding Sebastian Giovinco’s career with Toronto FC, his agent Andrea D’Amico steps in to clarify matters.

Times are changing in Toronto FC. Coming off an extremely disappointing 2018 campaign, Ali Curtis has replaced Tim Bezbatchenko as general manager.

Curtis has a multitude of questions which need answering, as he aims to return TFC to the playoffs. This includes resolving Sebastian Giovinco’s future.

There has been growing speculation of late, regarding Giovinco. More specifically, the belief that he could be headed back to Europe.

In this respect, the 31-year-old’s agent spoke on Friday, to clarify matters. As originally reported by Mediagol, Andrea D’Amico said:

"“Giovinco, who is one of my clients, would never want to return (to Europe). He probably will stay in Toronto until the end of his career.”More from Toronto FCFederico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FCToronto FC remodel continues with departure of Alejandro PozueloToronto FC looking to move on from Carlos SalcedoAs Lorenzo Insigne arrives, Toronto FC looks to get back on trackToronto FC: 3 takeaways from 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew"

Understandably, one of the first thoughts is to dismiss D’Amico’s comments as typical agent talk, to help with negotiations. However, if you’re trying to get the best possible deal for you client, why back yourself into a corner by dismissing Europe as an option?

While agents don’t generally have a reputation for being entirely transparent when it comes to the truth, is it possible Giovinco genuinely does want to remain in Toronto for the rest of his playing career? Has he instructed his agent to put the word out, again to help with negotiations?

Another angle is that Toronto FC are considering moving on from the 2015 MLS MVP. In this respect, it’s possible his age and salary, combined with a poor 2018 season (for the team overall) provides the ideal opportunity (excuse) to let him leave.

However, if we go with this last scenario, you could argue TFC actually need to take advantage of the situation, in order to bring Giovinco back at a reduced price. As per Spotrac, he has earned just over $7.1 million in each of his four years in Toronto, giving him the highest salary cap hit in all of MLS.

If the four-time MLS All-Star really does want to remain in Southern Ontario, the Reds needs to work with him. Come to an arrangement which will suit both the player and the team.

After all, regardless of Giovinco’s age, he is still an extremely productive player. In 2018 he scored 13 goals and added 15 assists, essentially meaning he averaged a goal contribution per game in 28 league appearances (including 26 starts).

As per Mitchell Tierney of Waking the Red, new GM Curtis has a reputation for making controversial moves, if he believes it will improve the team. However, parting with Giovinco at this stage would not be a particularly smart move.

What do you think the future holds for Giovinco? Will he still be playing for Toronto FC in 2019, or is it now time to move on from (arguably) the greatest player in franchise history? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.