Richie Laryea Returns: Toronto FC's Homecoming Hero!

Toronto FC announced today the club has agreed to terms on a transfer fee with English Premier League side Nottingham Forest FC and has signed Canadian international defender Richie Laryea through 2026 with an option for 2027.

The 29-year-old defender returns to his hometown after recently completing a short loan spell with the Vancouver Whitecaps during the 2023 season. Laryea made a combined 14 appearances across all competitions (MLS regular season and MLS Cup Playoffs) and registered one goal and three assists for the Caps.

The Toronto, Ontario native also featured for TFC, scoring two goals and adding seven assists through 29 appearances during his second stint with Toronto FC (2022, 2023).

Before his move to England, Laryea played three seasons (2019, 2020, and 2021) with Toronto FC after signing with the club as a free agent on March 21, 2019. Laryea made a combined 83 appearances across all competitions for the Reds, recording nine goals and adding 12 assists.

Laryea was a key member of TFC’s Eastern Conference Championship side in 2019 and also helped the Reds finish with the second-best record during the 2020 MLS regular season.

“We are thrilled to permanently welcome Richie and his family back to Toronto FC,” said Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez. “Richie embodies everything we value in a player and as a person in our new vision for TFC. His character, mentality, and commitment will be key for us as we continue to evolve as a group."

“Knowing his skills, character, talent, and dedication from our time together on the national stage, I am confident his presence will be pivotal in our quest for success this season," said Toronto FC Head Coach John Herdman.