Toronto FC reportedly set to announce Domenico Criscito signing soon

According to the latest reports, Toronto FC will soon be announcing the signing of Italian fullback Domenico Criscito to boost a defence which played poorly last season.

Toronto FC’s interest in Domenico Criscito, is the rumour which has refused to disappear since first being circulated several months ago. However, it apparently now turns out the speculation was well warranted.

As per the Toronto Sun‘s Stever Buffery, TFC will soon be announcing the signing of Domenico Criscito. The news was first reported by Alfredo Pedulla of La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Buffery writes that Criscito’s contract with Genoa does not expire until 2023. However, he will join the Reds in July, once the current Serie A season has concluded.

The 35-year-old has reportedly signed a deal for two-and-a-half years, meaning it will run through the 2024 MLS season. Pending official confirmation, the signing represents an excellent piece of business for Toronto FC.

Criscito has enjoyed a long and productive playing career with more than 500 games, which includes time with Juventus and being capped 26 times by the Italian senior national side. His experience will prove invaluable to a defence which allowed a franchise-worst 66 goals last season.

Despite his age, the Cercola, Italy native continues to be a durable and consistent player. The left back offers some versatility if required, having previously played as a winger and centre-back.

Criscito also provides the bonus of a genuine attacking threat, having scored six goals this season. He scored a career-high 10 times in all competitions just two seasons previously, during the 2019-20 campaign.

Again pending the deal being officially confirmed, you have to wonder how much the recent signing of Lorenzo Insigne influenced Criscito’s decision? You would also assume the two have talked and have some level of friendship from their time together playing for Italy.

Regardless, these are good times to be a Toronto FC fan, with their beloved club firmly focused on bouncing back from arguably the worst season in club history. The only downside is having to wait until July before seeing Insigne and (allegedly) Criscito put on the red jersey.

Pending official confirmation, what is your opinion of the signing of Criscito? How much of an impact do you expect him to have for TFC? Let us know in the comments section below.