Toronto FC’s Insigne Made Available in MLS Expansion Draft but Unlikely to Be Taken..

Toronto FC’s Insigne Made Available in MLS Expansion Draft but Unlikely to Be Taken

 

Toronto FC’s star winger, Lorenzo Insigne, was recently made available in the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft. The move has raised significant discussions across Major League Soccer, as the Italian international is one of the most high-profile players to be included in the draft pool. However, despite the significant attention generated by his inclusion, experts and insiders agree that it is highly unlikely that Insigne will be selected by any of the new clubs joining the league, including San Diego and Las Vegas, the two teams entering the league this season.

 

Background: Insigne’s Role at Toronto FC

 

Lorenzo Insigne joined Toronto FC in July 2022 from Serie A club Napoli, marking a high-profile move to Major League Soccer. His arrival was seen as a marquee signing, with Toronto FC hoping to build a team around Insigne’s creative ability, leadership, and experience. Insigne, a gifted winger with an impressive technical skillset, has contributed significantly to the team since his arrival, bringing creativity, flair, and leadership on and off the field. His arrival, alongside other high-profile signings such as Federico Bernardeschi, made Toronto FC one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league.

 

However, the impact of Insigne’s arrival has been mixed. While his individual performances have showcased his abilities, Toronto FC struggled with consistency during his first season in North America. Injuries have hampered his ability to make a full impact, and the team’s overall performance did not live up to expectations, leading to a relatively underwhelming 2023 season. Despite the challenges, Insigne remains one of the most talented players in MLS, and Toronto FC has made efforts to position him as a key part of their rebuild under new management.

 

The Expansion Draft and Insigne’s Availability

 

The MLS Expansion Draft is an annual event where new teams entering the league are allowed to select a limited number of players from existing teams in order to build their rosters. This process is designed to give expansion clubs a chance to add experienced players, balancing the influx of new talent with established professionals who can help immediately improve the team. Teams participating in the expansion draft can choose from a pool of eligible players, but the players must meet certain criteria, such as being under contract for the following season or having limited no-trade clauses.

 

Toronto FC, like all MLS teams, was required to submit a list of available players for the draft, which included Insigne. While it’s not uncommon for high-profile players to be included in the expansion draft pool, the inclusion of Insigne raised eyebrows, given his status as one of the highest-paid players in the league and a designated player for Toronto FC. However, the reasoning behind his availability in the draft is multifaceted.

 

The Financial Factor: Insigne’s High Salary

 

One of the key factors in why Insigne is unlikely to be selected in the Expansion Draft is his high salary. As a designated player, Insigne is among the top earners in the league. His contract with Toronto FC reportedly sees him earning in excess of $14 million per year. While Insigne’s skillset justifies his high salary, the financial burden is significant for any team looking to build a competitive squad, especially for a newly established club.

 

The new expansion teams, San Diego and Las Vegas, would need to consider the financial ramifications of taking on Insigne’s hefty wage. MLS clubs are bound by a salary cap, and while designated players are exempt from the cap, the cost of acquiring a player of Insigne’s caliber would severely limit a new club’s ability to build a balanced and competitive roster. The high wage could also be a barrier in attracting other players or fulfilling other financial needs for the team. Given this financial consideration, it seems unlikely that either San Diego or Las Vegas would take on Insigne’s large salary, especially given that both teams are focused on creating a sustainable squad for the long term.

 

Toronto FC’s Commitment to Insigne

 

Despite the availability of Insigne in the draft, Toronto FC has shown a clear commitment to the Italian forward, and there are no indications that the club is eager to part ways with him. Insigne remains one of the team’s most marketable players, and his presence continues to attract attention to the club. Given his leadership role, technical abilities, and status as a designated player, Toronto FC will likely hold on to Insigne for the foreseeable future, even if it means carrying his large contract.

 

Toronto FC’s management is focused on rebuilding and retooling their roster to improve their chances of success. They have already made changes in the front office and coaching staff, and Insigne remains a key piece of their plans moving forward. The club’s management is likely betting that Insigne’s form and fitness will improve in the coming seasons, allowing him to play a leading role in the team’s resurgence. Therefore, while his inclusion in the expansion draft may seem surprising, it is more of a procedural move than an indication that Toronto FC is actively seeking to offload him.

 

The Expansion Draft Process and Selection Odds

 

In the expansion draft, each expansion team is allowed to select a limited number of players from existing MLS teams. However, there are rules in place to protect high-profile players like Insigne. The teams must submit a list of protected players, and Insigne, being a designated player, is highly likely to be one of Toronto FC’s protected players. This means that Insigne will be off-limits for selection, and it is more probable that a player on the roster with less value or a smaller salary would be chosen instead.

 

Given the structure of the draft, the likelihood of Insigne being selected is extremely low. Even if he were to be left unprotected, his high salary and the fact that he is not a free agent would make it difficult for an expansion team to justify the financial burden. Furthermore, the risk associated with taking on a high-priced player who may be injury-prone or not fully adjusted to MLS might dissuade any new team from choosing him.

 

The Bigger Picture: Insigne’s MLS Future

 

While Insigne may not be selected in the expansion draft, his future in MLS remains an interesting topic of discussion. The 2024 season will be crucial for both Toronto FC and Insigne as they look to bounce back from a difficult period. Insigne will need to demonstrate that he can stay healthy and return to his best form if Toronto FC is to meet its lofty expectations. The club’s management has shown patience with the player, and if he can avoid injuries and get back to his best, he could play a pivotal role in the team’s success in the coming years.

 

There is also the question of whether Insigne might eventually move on from Toronto FC in the near future. His significant salary and age (he is 32) may mean that Toronto FC will have to consider his long-term viability with the club. However, for now, it seems that Toronto FC is committed to giving Insigne the time and space to prove himself in MLS.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, the inclusion of Lorenzo Insigne in the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft, while surprising to many, is unlikely to result in his selection by one of the new expansion clubs. His high salary, injury history, and the need for expansion teams to build more balanced and financially sustainable rosters make him an unlikely candidate for selection. Moreover, Toronto FC’s commitment to the player, coupled with their plans to improve and rebuild the team, ensures that Insigne will remain a key part of their roster for at least the immediate future. For now, Insigne’s future in Toronto remains secure, and the expansion draft will

likely be a non-event in his MLS career.