TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
Toronto FC forward Ayo Akinola is on the radar of Turkish side Trabzonspor, according to a report this week from Transfermarkt.
Citing multiple sources, the report says Akinola is one of several strikers Trabzonspor are interested in acquiring. Toronto FC exercised their 2021 contract option on the 20-year-old striker, but he will be a free agent after next season.
Akinola established himself as one of the top up-and-coming young forwards in MLS in 2020, starting with a breakout showing at the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando that saw him explode for five goals, making him the second-highest goal-scorer at the tournament behind LAFC's Diego Rossi. Three of those came with his first-career hat trick, which he tallied against CF Montreal to become the third-youngest player in MLS history to manage the feat.
The breakout showing has resulted in speculation surrounding his international future, as Akinola is eligible to represent the United States, Canada and Nigeria. He got his first senior cap and goal for the US men's national team in a friendly against El Salvador in December, and also accepted an invitation to Canada's January camp before withdrawing due to injury. The appearance for the US didn't cap-tie Akinola, as it was a friendly.
2020 Toronto FC Roster as of January 15, 2020:
HEAD COACH: Vacant
FORWARDS (6):
- Achara, Ifunanyachi
- Akinola, Ayo
- Altidore, Jozy
- Nelson, Jayden
- Mullins, Patrick
- Perruzza, Jordan
MIDFIELDERS (13):
- Bradley, Michael
- DeLeon, Nick
- Delgado, Marky
- Dorsey, Griffin
- Endoh, Tsubasa
- Fraser, Liam
- Gallardo, Erickson
- Marshall-Rutty, Jahkeele
- Okello, Noble
- Osorio, Jonathan
- Pozuelo, Alejandro
- Priso, Ralph
- Shaffelburg, Jacob
DEFENDERS (6):
- Auro Jr.
- Dunn, Julian
- Gonzalez, Omar
- Laryea, Richie
- Mavinga, Chris
- Romeo, Rocco
GOALKEEPERS (2):
- Bono, Alex
- Silva, Kevin
- Westberg, Quentin
