Giovinco signing hailed as a major moment for MLS

Whether it was justified remains up for debate, but the feeling at Gate 5 of the Air Canada Centre carried a different vibe this past week. Major announcement glitz was traded for three microphones and well crafted videos. The news was just as big as last time around, if not bigger.

Simply put, the signing of Juventus playmaker Sebastian Giovinco is a major moment for Toronto FC and Major League Soccer.

“We are beyond excited to add a player of Sebastian Giovinco’s caliber,” said TFC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko in front of a throng of reporters and assorted MLSE employees, including Chairman Larry Tanenbaum.

Bezbatchenko has stressed competing on the world stage since taking the job on September 20, 2013. Winning the Giovinco derby is a big step in that direction.

“[Sebastian] chose TFC and MLS above many other international clubs.” Those clubs reportedly included Arsenal, Tottenham and Monaco.

Today wasn’t about them, however. It’s about strengthening Toronto FC in 2015. It’s about fielding the best team possible.

Bezbatchenko thanked the executives at MLSE for their willingness to go all-in when it came to acquiring talent. They did it last year with Michael Bradley, Gilberto and Jermain Defoe. They’re doing it again this year, this time with Jozy Altidore and Giovinco.

Head coach Greg Vanney is now tasked with the prospect of employing Altidore and Giovinco in his side’s reworked attack. Things could be worse for the second-year boss.

Sebastian Giovinco

“We looked at our roster as we moved into the offseason and realized that we needed a player that can help create in the attacking third of the field,” said Vanney.

“We had a very short list of players that fit this mold, and [Sebastian] was at the top of it. We were incredibly fortunate at the way this came about and that we’re here today to announce that he’s now a part of our roster.”

As for the team going forward, Vanney sees Giovinco playing behind Altidore as a second forward or as an attacking midfielder. Bradley would sit deeper, which is the American international’s preference.

Giovinco is slated to arrive in Toronto in July, with the Italian wanting to end his tenure with Juventus on a good note. The Bianconeri end their domestic campaign on May 31, 2015.

The 27-year-old, Giovinco turns 28 later this month, arrives on a free transfer. The man known as the “atomic ant” is still in his prime, and that was a huge factor for Bezbatchenko and his staff.

“There’s a certain age where players go into their prime and if you can get a core nucleus of your best players entering their critical years, that can speak volumes for what the team can do,” continued Toronto’s GM.

For our team it’s important because they can grow together. Jozy, Michael, Sebastian, Jonathan Osorio and Nick Hagglund are players that are in their 20s. That’s something this league has never seen.”

Toronto’s core will have the opportunity to grow together. This club will go as far as the entire team can take them. The designated players can’t do it alone, this league has shown us that.

With that said, in Giovinco, Bradley and Altidore, TFC have a solid foundation in place.