Toronto FC Terminates Contracts of Insigne, Bernardeschi

Toronto FC has mutually terminated the contracts of designated players Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne, ending an expensive and largely unproductive era for the club. Bernardeschi, who joined from Juventus and won Euro 2020 with Italy, scored 26 goals and provided 22 assists in 99 appearances, earning an MLS All-Star selection in 2024. Insigne, also a Euro 2020 champion and a former Napoli star, struggled with injuries and inconsistency, scoring 15 goals in 66 league matches and becoming one of the highest-paid players in MLS with a $15.4 million salary. Both players arrived in 2022 amid high expectations but failed to help Toronto FC reach the playoffs, with the team currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Off-field issues and locker room tensions reportedly marred their tenures, and the club's leadership has shifted focus toward rebuilding with new designated players. The departures free up two designated player spots, allowing Toronto FC to pursue a new strategic direction under head coach Robin Fraser and the current management.