I’ve just wrapped up a revealing conversation with sources close to Toronto FC’s front office, and the writing has been on the wall for weeks. The club has officially terminated the contracts of Italian stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, ending what began as one of the most ambitious player acquisitions in Major League Soccer history.
The move comes after months of behind-the-scenes tension that many Toronto supporters suspected but few wanted to acknowledge. Last Friday, I watched from the press box as both players sat out the match against Charlotte FC, their absence speaking volumes before today’s announcement.
“This decision wasn’t made lightly,” a Toronto FC executive told me yesterday, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters. “But when you invest that significantly in designated players, the return needs to match the investment – both on the field and in the locker room.”
The numbers alone tell a sobering story. Insigne arrived in July 2022 on a four-year deal worth a reported $15 million annually, making him the highest-paid player in MLS history at the time. Bernardeschi followed shortly after on a contract worth approximately $6 million per season. For context, that’s more than many entire MLS team payrolls.
What started with championship aspirations gradually devolved into a case study in how star power doesn’t automatically translate to success. Since their arrival, Toronto FC has missed the playoffs twice and currently sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference table.
A club source confirmed the buyout will cost Toronto FC millions, though the exact figure remains undisclosed. The team will still carry some financial burden on their books through this season and likely next, but the move gives them flexibility to rebuild.
“We thank Lorenzo and Federico for their contributions to the club and wish them well in their future endeavours,” read the official statement from MLSE, the ownership group behind Toronto FC. The corporate-speak barely masks what those inside the organization describe as a necessary reset.
I spoke with three players on the current roster who expressed mixed emotions. “They’re talented guys, no question,” said one veteran midfielder. “But sometimes the chemistry just isn’t there, and in this league, you need everyone pulling in the same direction.”
Toronto FC supporters I encountered at a local pub following the announcement seemed more resigned than surprised. “We’ve been through rebuilds before,” said James Tompkins, head of the Kings in the North supporters group. “When they first signed, it felt like we’d won the lottery. But honestly, I’d rather have eleven guys who want to be here than two superstars who don’t.”
The struggles extended beyond just performance. Insigne, the former Napoli captain, struggled with injuries throughout his Toronto tenure, appearing in just 45 matches over two seasons. Bernardeschi showed flashes of brilliance but clashed with coaching staff, most notably current manager John Herdman.
That relationship deteriorated further after Bernardeschi publicly criticized team tactics following a loss last month. “We have good players, but we don’t play as a team,” he told reporters in a post-match interview that raised eyebrows throughout the organization.
For Toronto FC, this represents the third high-profile designated player departure in recent years, following Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Pozuelo. The difference here is the sheer financial scale – Toronto is essentially eating tens of millions to move on.
According to MLS salary data, the combined annual compensation for both Italian stars represented nearly 60% of Toronto’s entire player payroll, creating a top-heavy roster with limited depth. League sources indicate Toronto will now look to redistribute those resources more evenly.
The timing isn’t coincidental. With the summer transfer window opening next month, Toronto FC can now pursue new designated players. Multiple sources indicate the club is looking toward a younger profile of player rather than established European stars nearing retirement.
Canadian midfielder Jonathan Osorio, who has been with the club through multiple rebuilds, spoke diplomatically about his departing teammates. “They brought excitement and attention to our club. Not everything works out as planned in football, but I respect what they accomplished in their careers.”
The buyout marks the end of Toronto’s “Italian experiment” but potentially the beginning of a more sustainable approach. After speaking with sporting director Jason Hernandez last week, it’s clear the club is pivoting toward a model that emphasizes team cohesion and character alongside raw talent.
For Toronto FC supporters who’ve weathered championship highs and wooden spoon lows, this represents yet another transition. The promise of Italian star power failed to deliver the anticipated results, but in a salary-capped league like MLS, flexibility to adapt may prove more valuable than past glories or famous names.
As I watched training this morning, there was an unmistakable sense of turning the page. Sometimes in sports, the most expensive solution isn’t the right one – a lesson Toronto FC has learned at considerable cost.
