Ever since Toronto FC became the talk of MLS this offseason with a handful of blockbuster signings, there has been speculation surrounding what they would do with young Designated Player Matías Laba.
When TFC landed USMNT star Michael Bradley, English international Jermain Defoe and Brazilian striker Gilberto, all signed to Designated Player contracts, it left them with four DP contracts, one above the MLS-mandated limit of three. Even after the three signings, TFC head coach Ryan Nelsen said the club would “move hell and high water” to keep Laba.
Hell and high water, apparently, proved to be too much to move according to a report in the Toronto Sun.
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Along with the likely signing of Brazilian international goalkeeper Júlio César, the report also indicated that Laba would be “offloaded,” preferably in the form of a loan.
Toronto FC had not responded to a request for comment on the report from MLSsoccer.com at the time of publication.
The 22-year-old Laba, an Argentine youth international, was arguably Toronto’s best newcomer last year after they signed him from the Argentinos Juniors of the Argentine Primera División. He appeared in 16 games, all starts.
He played at right back in Toronto’s 1-0 preseason win over D.C. United on Wednesday.
