Toronto FC reportedly close to Soteldo for Salcedo swap deal

Toronto FC is reportedly set to complete a deal which would see Yeferson Soteldo move to Tigres UANL in exchange for international defender Carlos Salcedo.

Two challenges facing Toronto FC are opening up a Designated Player slot for Lorenzo Insigne and improving a defence which last season allowed the most goals in club history. According to recent reports, they may be about to take a significant step towards resolving both situations.

As per The Athletic‘s Sam Stejskal, TFC is apparently close to a deal which would send Yeferson Soteldo to Tigres UANL. In exchange, the Reds would receive international defender Carlos Salcedo.

According to sources, it would be a straight swap involving no money. Stejskal went on to add that talks were in the “eighth inning”, with the framework in place for the deal.

This information followed on from an initial report by Michael Singh of Waking the Red, regarding Soteldo and Salcedo. Pending the deal being completed and officially confirmed, this would be a double boost for Toronto FC.

While Soteldo led the Reds in assists last season, it was repeatedly speculated he had failed to fit in with the club or settle in Southern Ontario. Add in the imminent arrival of Insigne, and moving the Venezuelan international is seemingly best for everyone concerned.

In respect of Salcedo, he would be both an excellent and much-needed addition to the TFC defence. Aside from allowing the second-most goals in MLS last season, the Reds have also seen several defenders leave since the conclusion of the 2021 campaign.

Salcedo is a tough, physical player who is strong in the air, while also being comfortable on the ball. He will primarily line up as a centre-back, but is capable of playing in the full back position if required.

The 28-year-old is familiar with MLS, after previously playing for Real Salt Lake. However, it is in Liga MX where he has enjoyed most success, with Guadalajara and then Tigres UANL.

Salcedo has been a regular in the Mexican international side since 2015. He also has experience of playing in Seria A and Bundesliga on loan, and it is fair to assume he will be successful on his return to MLS.

In terms of salary, David Morassutti previously made reference to Targeted Allocation Money. Salcedo currently makes $1 million with Tigres UANL.

Assuming the swap deal is going ahead, TFC will be eager to complete the transaction as soon as possible. The club is holding player medicals this weekend, before heading to California on Tuesday for training camp.

Pending the swap deal actually going ahead, do you believe Salcedo will be successful with Toronto FC? Further, what is your opinion of Soteldo’s time with the Reds? Let us know in the comments section below.