The future of this player with Toronto FC is a constant mystery

Toronto FC made a surprising move in acquiring Thiago Andrade, a 24-year-old Brazilian winger, from San Diego FC during the December 2024 expansion draft.

Andrade, known for his dribbling, speed, and offensive capabilities, signed a contract until December 2025, raising hopes that he could thrive in the MLS with Toronto FC.

However, recent rumors suggest that Andrade may be on the verge of transferring to an Asian club before even stepping onto the field for Toronto FC. This development is puzzling, given the expectations surrounding his arrival and the strategic nature of his signing.

A Brief Tenure with Toronto FC

Andrade’s brief stint with Toronto FC has yet to see him train or play a match. His last competitive action was in 2024 with Shenzhen Peng City in the Chinese League, where he played 24 matches, scored 3 goals, and provided 3 assists in over 1,800 minutes.

His return to the MLS, after a previous spell with New York City FC, was anticipated to be a significant boost for Toronto FC's attacking options.

Thiago Andrade is closing in on a transfer deal to an Asian club. He was picked up in a trade deal with San Diego FC during their expansion draft last month. 🇧🇷 #TFCLive [📰 @tombogert]

The player has not made any appearances for the club. pic.twitter.com/GJyeG6cV9j
— Toronto FC News Outlet (@tfcnewsoutlet) January 9, 2025

Yet, without having played for Toronto FC, Andrade's impending move to Asia, potentially for a fee of around $500,000, has raised eyebrows. This move could signal a quick turnaround in Toronto FC’s plans, focusing on financial gain from Andrade’s sale.

Theo Corbeanu: A New Focus

The potential departure of Andrade aligns with Toronto FC’s interest in acquiring Canadian forward Theo Corbeanu from Granada. Corbeanu, a more promising and strategically valuable addition, is seen as a better fit for Toronto FC's long-term ambitions.

His arrival could overshadow Andrade’s short-lived association with the club and bolster the team’s attacking lineup as they prepare for the new MLS season.

This unexpected sequence of events underscores Toronto FC’s dynamic approach in the transfer market, aiming to optimize their squad and financial positioning ahead of the 2025 season.