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It looks like the Front Office are getting their man after all.
Only a few very very long, and equally soul-destroying, weeks after the close of the MLS primary transfer window, Toronto FC are set announce that they have indeed signed the “one that got away”, veteran USMNT and former LAG star defender Omar Gonzalez, from Liga MX.
Toronto FC is expected to use targeted allocation money (TAM) and the top spot in the MLS allocation list to realize this move.
Everyone’s favourite Kristian and/or Jack broke the news earlier this morning:
Multiple sources have confirmed to me that Toronto FC have signed centre-back Omar Gonzalez. Announcement to come soon. See him as a ‘cornerstone’ of their defence going forward. Available after July 7th. Two and a half year deal plus option. #TFCLive
— Kristian Jack (@KristianJack) June 3, 2019
The details are scant, and mostly conjecture, but the numbers being bandied around the interwebs are a 2.5 year deal plus option. No mentions of salary or a transfer fee (if any). There is also no real details on how the club was able to get this deal over the line after it fell apart at the 25th hour due to some intrigue on the Liga MX side of the table.
#TFCLive source confirms that the club has signed centre-back Omar Gonzalez. Announcement to come at 1 p.m. Gonzalez will be available after July 7th. Two and a half year deal plus option reported
— steve buffery (@Beezersun) June 3, 2019
Absolutely expect a presser from TFC HQ later today, and while I doubt that we’ll get all the numbers (because MLS), we can at least bask in the glow of rumour becoming official.
The 30-year-old CB is away with the USMNT team camp having just finished the season on loan with Atlas, from Pachuca, both in Liga MX. He signed with Pachuca in 2016.
Gonzalez spent seven seasons with the LA Galaxy. He played 223 times, and was a key figure during their dominance earlier this decade, winning two MLS Cups and two Supporters Shields alongside players like David Beckham and Landon Donovan. Individually, he was the MLS Rookie of the Year in 2009, MLS Defender of the Year in 2011 and was named to the MLS Best XI in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014. In 2013, he also became the first centre-back in MLS history to sign a designated player contract.
Of course, the bad news here is that OG CB won’t be available to play for the Reds until at least July 7th. Curious if he is allowed to at least train with the side before then.
Thoughts? Rants? Effusive praise?
Is this the future of the transfer market as MLS rises in stature? I mean - it does feel a bit similar to the Poz deal. Are the days of free transfers and quick and decisive moves over?
UPDATE:
It does indeed look like a TAM deal (of course) and it seems we did have to grease the Liga MX wheels with a bit of coin:
TAM deal for Gonzalez, per a source. Toronto did pay a transfer fee, but I'm told it wasn't very significant. https://t.co/zDzveg8gVo
— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) June 3, 2019
UPDATE #2 :
Looks like we are getting more insight into how much we paid as transfer fee:
The deal fell apart in previous window even though Atlas was actively looking to move him. Small transfer fee (am told in the $200K range) gets it over the line, landing TFC the centerback it desperately needs. https://t.co/WXXqq51ond
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) June 3, 2019