A Necessary Signing for Toronto FC in 2025

Assessing the positions Toronto FC needs to strengthen for the 2025 season will be crucial. There have been significant issues across all areas, whether due to poor performance or injuries that prevented key players from competing at the highest level this season.

With the anticipated rebuild, Toronto FC must examine these problems thoroughly to form a highly competitive squad, aiming to bring the team back to its glory days. Fans also hope for high-quality signings, ideally young players who can offer substantial contributions both now and in the future.

Among these needs, a central defender is urgently required. After analyzing John Herdman’s progress with the TFC squad between 2023 and 2024, it became evident that defensive frailty was a critical weakness. Toronto FC ended the season with one of the highest goals-against records in the MLS.

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Defensive Issues Persist for Toronto FC

Currently, the TFC roster includes central defenders like Sigurd Rosted, Nicksoun Gomis, Kevin Long, and Adam Pearlman as they prepare for the 2025 season. Nicksoun Gomis, at only 22, has shown promise and has been a positive addition to the team.

However, the squad needs a defender who not only strengthens the backline but also improves Toronto FC’s ball distribution. Poor first passes out from defense were a common issue, leading to costly turnovers. Additionally, the center-backs often struggled with defensive transitions, making counter-attacks a significant weakness that TFC was unable to address effectively in 2024.

This led Toronto FC to end the season with a goal difference of -21 in MLS, a worrying sign that demands reinforcement in the defense. Ideally, the new signing should be a young player with exceptional talent. While experienced players like Kevin Long and Sigurd Rosted, both over 30, bring valuable leadership, they may not fit the long-term vision TFC is striving for.