Recently announced Designated Player signing Sebastian Giovinco could join Toronto FC before the start of the 2015 Major League Soccer season if the player and his current club, Juventus, can agree a deal to cut ties before the end of January, according to GianlucuaDiMarzio.com reporter David Amoyal.
Giovinco, who elected to leave Europe behind and begin his MLS adventure at the tender age of 27, was originally scheduled to join Toronto following the expiration of his current Juventus contract this July. However, if an early termination could be agreed between Giovinco and Juventus, TFC’s new $7-million man could have the benefit of at least part of a preseason with his new teammates, and the club a additional 15 games with Giovinco in tow.
[ FOLLOW: All of PST’s MLS coverage | Transfer rumors ]
It should be noted that reports and rumors originating from GDM.com have proven to be very hit-and-miss over the years.
The best-case scenario for TFC looks something like this: Juve are able to identify and sign Giovinco’s eventual replacement during the current transfer window, rather than waiting to do so in the summer. Once the new signing is available for first-team action, Giovinco becomes even more surplus to requirements than he currently is, and Juve bite the bullet and agree to pay whatever remaining loyalty bonuses remain on the contract.
Likelihood: Significantly less than 50-50, in my humble opinion.
