### Toronto FC Parts Ways with High-Profile Italian Players Insigne and Bernardeschi Toronto FC has officially terminated the contracts of Italian wingers Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, marking the end of a high-profile but ultimately disappointing chapter for the Major League Soccer (MLS) club. Both players joined Toronto in July 2022, with Insigne transferring from Napoli and Bernardeschi from Juventus, but their time in the league has not met expectations, leading to mutual contract buyouts as announced on July 1, 2025 [https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45632185/toronto-fc-contract-termination-lorenzo-insigne-federico-bernardeschi]. ### Breakdown of the Contract Termination and Implications 1. **Contract Buyouts**: Toronto FC utilized its two permitted buyouts to terminate the contracts of both players, which were considered hefty and burdensome for the club's financial structure [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/article-federico-bernardeschi-leaves-toronto-fc]. 2. **Performance Issues**: The partnership with Insigne and Bernardeschi has been labeled as "expensive and unsuccessful," with the club's management likely seeking to reallocate resources towards more effective player acquisitions [https://www.cp24.com/news/sports/2025/07/01/toronto-fc-buys-out-hefty-contracts-of-italys-insigne-bernardeschi]. 3. **Future Directions**: The departure of these high-profile players opens up opportunities for Toronto FC to reshape its roster and potentially pursue new talent that aligns better with the club's strategic goals [https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/toronto-fc-mutually-part-ways-with-federico-bernardeschi]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Contract Details**: Both Insigne and Bernardeschi were designated players, which typically means they commanded high salaries. The buyouts were necessary to alleviate the financial strain on the club [https://www.sootoday.com/national-sports/federico-bernardeschi-leaves-toronto-fc-lorenzo-insigne-expected-to-follow-10886935]. - **Performance Metrics**: While specific performance statistics were not detailed in the articles, the general sentiment across reports indicates that the players did not deliver the expected impact on the field, contributing to the decision for mutual termination [https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/mls/articles/insigne-and-bernardeschi-leave-toronto-after-three-years-in-mls-2025-07-01]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Toronto FC In summary, Toronto FC's decision to part ways with Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi reflects a strategic move to improve the team's performance and financial health. 1. **Mutual Termination**: The contracts of both players were mutually terminated, allowing the club to utilize its buyout options effectively. 2. **Financial Relief**: This decision alleviates the financial burden associated with their high salaries, enabling the club to explore new player acquisitions. 3. **Future Prospects**: Toronto FC is now positioned to rebuild its roster with a focus on more effective talent that can contribute positively to the team's success in the MLS. The club's management is likely optimistic about the future as they seek to turn the page on this chapter and build a more competitive squad moving forward [https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/toronto-fc-mutually-part-ways-with-lorenzo-insigne].