January 08, (THEWILL) – Lorenzo Insigne, the star striker for Napoli, has signed a contract with Major League Soccer side (MLS) Toronto FC, the club announced on Saturday.
It confirms early moves from the American-based club that pointed to a blockbuster agreement to sign the Serie A player when his contract with Napoli expires this summer.
Insigne has agreed to a four-year contract that will run through the summer of 2026, after which TFC will have the option to extend the contract for another six months until the end of that year. Over the course of the contract, his average annual compensation will be around $15 million before taxes.
When Insigne joins TFC in July, this bumper contract will very certainly make him the highest-paid player in MLS history.
Insigne, who will turn 31 in June, is currently the captain of Napoli, leading the charge as they attempt to win the Serie A title and qualify for the Europa League. He has four goals and four assists in 16 Serie A appearances this season.
Last season, he finished eighth in Serie A with 19 goals. He also also played for the Italian national team, scoring 10 goals in 53 appearances and helping them win Euro 2020 last summer.
With a playoff slated for March, Italy is attempting to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
On the other hand, Toronto FC finished last season second-to-last in the Eastern Conference with a 6-win, 18-loss and 10-draw record and just 28 points, which was the second-fewest in the league ahead of only FC Cincinnati. Toronto’s 2021 campaign was their worst since 2012.
Insigne will be coached by Bob Bradley, who took over as head coach and Sporting Director of the squad on November 24. Bradley is the team’s 12th coach in its history and a three-time MLS Coach of the Year. He was recruited two days after the team and general manager Ali Curtis ended their three-year relationship.
Talking excitedly about recruiting Insigne, Bradley’s news release noted: “We are all looking forward to having Lorenzo join us this summer. His ability to create chances for himself and his teammates is special.
“Having watched him for many years, I also know he’s also a player who works for the team. Lorenzo is the kind of player you come to watch, because there’s always a chance, he’ll do something unforgettable.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
