Toronto and Spurs Announce Defoe Transfer

Article by Nathan Durec

It’s being called “the biggest signing in MLS history.” While that may be debatable, it certainly will be the most expensive signing in MLS history. This week, MLS club Toronto FC and Tottenham officially announced that Spurs striker Jermain Defoe will be moving to Canada.

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This is only one of two big signing moves that Toronto FC is expected to announce in the coming week. The second is Michael Bradley from Serie A Club AS Roma. Bradley formerly played in the MLS with the MetroStars (now the New York Red Bulls).

Defoe’s signing is unique for several reasons. Toronto has spent the off-season of MLS looking for marquee signings. They were given more than $40 million (£24.3 million) as a war chest specifically to go hunting in Europe. Defoe would represent success for the Canadian club. Toronto needs a proven goalscorer. Having Bradley in the midfield would help to ensure the service a player like Defoe needs.

Within the Tottenham squad, Defoe has fallen to third choice striker under Sherwood. A reported $10.3 million (£6 million) transfer fee is not a bad chunk of change for a non-starting squad player in his thirties. However, it does leave Spurs light in the striker department. With only Soldado and Adebayor available up front, that leaves Harry Kane as third choice, but with nowhere near the experience as the outgoing Defoe. Having an additional £6 million to spend gives Tottenham options in the transfer window to add depth in this area.

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For Defoe himself, this move could help rejuvenate the twilight of his career. He is all but guaranteed to play every match that he is healthy. Toronto would have a riot on their hands if they sat a player on the reported level of wages they will be paying him, the highest ever in MLS history. For a player that wants to play every day, Toronto will give him that opportunity.

Defoe has been a stalwart ambassador for Tottenham throughout the years. He has given many memories to the club and its fans. However, keeping him here is not doing anyone any favours. The time has come for him to go, for everyone’s benefit.

Thank you for the years, Jermaine, and all the best in MLS. Hope you do well in Toronto, but not too well! (From a Vancouver Whitecaps fan).

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