Toronto FC: Salcedo-Soteldo swap deal, Giovinco update and more
By Paul Taylor
Mertens reportedly on the radar
Nothing is going to top TFC signing Insigne, but other impressive acquisitions are still conceivable. And in theory, the Italian international could play a key role in one particular player the Reds are reportedly interested in.
As per the Toronto Sun‘s Steve Buffery, Toronto FC would like to sign Dries Mertens, who is Insigne’s current teammate at Napoli. Manning recently told Buffery he is hoping to fly out to Italy soon.
Mertens is Napoli’s all-time leading goal-scorer, having scored 144 times in all competitions. He has extensive experience internationally, having played 103 times for Belgium and scoring 21 goals.
The 34-year-old’s preference has always been to stay with Napoli, but the club has no interest in keeping him. In fact, as per Susy Campanale of Football Italia, they would have preferred to sell the forward last summer.
As such, Mertens will become a free agent once the 2021-22 Serie A concludes, with him potentially joining Insigne in Southern Ontario. As per Michael Singh of Waking the Red, there was interest on both sides when talks took place a few months ago.
The Leuven, Belgium native is known for his work ethic, pace, agility and technique. There is little doubt he would be an excellent addition for TFC.
Mertens was so eager to remain in Napoli, he was willing to accept almost any amount of money and length of contract. Don’t expect it to be so easy for Toronto FC however, with the dual challenges of potential offers from European clubs and how eager he is to move to North America.
Another trade for more allocation money. light. More
What are your takes on the latest news surrounding Toronto FC? Will Salcedo be a success in MLS, will Giovinco re-sign and how likely is Mertens to join Insigne in Southern Ontario? Let us know in the comments section below.