Toronto FC designates Mihailovic as the team's key figure; additional reinforcements expected
Toronto FC Begins Rebuilding Phase with Djordje Mihailovic Signing
Toronto FC, currently 12th in the Eastern Conference, is in the midst of a rebuilding phase following the departures of star designated players Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. The club has set its sights on a long-term vision to become a championship contender again, and the acquisition of U.S. international Djordje Mihailovic from Colorado Rapids marks the first step in this process.
Mihailovic, a midfielder known for his creativity and panache, has been signed by Toronto FC for $8 million (USD) in transfer fees, with an additional $1 million conditionally. He is expected to make his debut for the team this Saturday against the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia Union.
Toronto FC's general manager, Jason Hernandez, considers Mihailovic as the team's new "reference point." The 24-year-old midfielder has already made a significant impact in MLS, with nine goals and seven assists in 24 regular-season outings for Colorado this year, and a total of 48 goals and 63 assists in 243 games during his pro career.
Mihailovic's arrival is seen as more than just a replacement for the departed stars. His dangerous set-piece abilities and reliability as a penalty-taker, combined with his ability to score and create goals, promise to bring a new dynamic to Toronto's offence, which currently ranks 26th in the league. Canadian winger Theo Corbeanu leads the side with five goals, while Honduran Deybi Flores, a defensive-minded midfielder, tops the team with two assists.
Toronto FC has been without a designated player and star power since early July. The club has 17 players with contracts expiring at the end of the year, with club options on all but veteran defender Kevin Long. This provides an opportunity for Mihailovic to become a key figure in the team's rebuilding process, alongside several youth players from Toronto FC II and academy signings such as Adisa De Rosario, Markus Cimermancic, Lazar Stefanovic, and Malik Henry.
The emphasis is on smart, incremental roster building through various mechanisms, including trades, academy promotion, SuperDraft scouting, TAM signings, and intra-league acquisitions. Toronto FC recently traded an international roster slot for General Allocation Money, enhancing their salary cap flexibility for future signings.
Developing academy products who are gaining MLS minutes like DeAndre Kerr, Kobe Franklin, and Lazar Stefanović is part of the cultural and roster overhaul. The team remains 12th in the Eastern Conference and approximately 14 points behind the playoff line with 10 games left, underlining the ongoing transition process.
Under head coach Robin Fraser, Toronto FC is working to reset their long-term vision and build a new style of play and identity. The club has two open designated player slots, providing flexibility for future high-profile or younger signings. Mihailovic's arrival is just the beginning of this exciting new chapter for Toronto FC.
The media in Toronto has been buzzing about the acquisition of Djordje Mihailovic with the hope that he can bring a new dynamic to Toronto FC's struggling offense, particularly given his success in setting up goals and taking penalties. As Toronto FC works to rebuild their team following the departures of star players, the club's transition is expected to be more than just a replacement process, with an emphasis on smart roster building through various mechanisms. Fans of the arts and sports in Toronto are eagerly anticipating the impact that Mihailovic could have on the team's performance in football, with hopes that he can help Toronto FC climb up the Eastern Conference standings and once again become championship contenders.
