Toronto FC: Latest on Yeferson Soteldo and links to Domenico Criscito

A review of the latest news surrounding Toronto FC’s attempts to move Yeferson Soteldo and sign Italian international defender Domenico Criscito.

Toronto FC have been firmly focused on improving the roster after arguably their worst ever season since joining MLS in 2007. They have so far signed Shane O’Neill to shore up the defence and are close to agreeing a new deal with promising young forward Ayo Akiniola.

In addition, several reports indicate TFC have agreed terms with Italian international Lorenzo Insigne, while attempting to sign fellow EUFA Euro 2020 winner Andrea Boletti. Pending these moves, the team will have to move one or more of their current designated players.

In this respect, the Reds are currently doing their best to transfer Yeferson Soteldo. Despite leading the team with 10 assists during the 2021 season, the indications are he has not settled on or off the pitch in Toronto.

As per Chris Smith of 90min, Soteldo has been linked with a move to Brazil. Chief among the interested clubs are reportedly Sao Paulo and Palmeiras.

Smith adds that Toronto FC are asking for $7 million US for the Venezuelan international. This would represent a $500,000 increase on what they paid to sign him last year.

The club is also in talks with fellow designed player Jozy Altidore, to agree a way to terminate his contract. Altidore has been an extremely efficient goalscorer during his time in Toronto, but has struggled to remain healthy in recent seasons.

As mentioned above, TFC signed O’Neill to help strengthen a defence which allowed a franchise-worst 66 goals last season. As per the Toronto Sun‘s Steve Buffery, they have also been linked with Italian international Domenico Criscito.

Criscito plays left back for Serie A club Geona. Even at 35, he remains a consistent and durable regular starter, who can also line up as a centre-back or on the wing.

The former Juventus player additionally provides an attacking threat, which would be of great benefit to a TFC side which struggled to score last year. He already has six goals in 2021-22, just two seasons after scoring a career-high 10 times.

Assuming TFC are able to sign Criscito, he likely won’t be able to join them until June. Similar to Insigne, his current club probably won’t allow him to leave before the conclusion of the current Serie A season.

Can you make any argument for TFC keeping Soteldo, or are you on board with the attempts to move him? Let us know in the comments section below.