Federico Bernardeschi is staying in Major League Soccer as no Serie A side wanted to take him away from Toronto. Bernardeschi’s frustration and struggles with Toronto FC contributed to why the Canadian club finished at the bottom of MLS. Toronto FC had just four wins from 34 league games. That includes losing 15 of the club’s last 16 games in league play. 



Federico Bernardeschi joined The Reds in the middle of the 2022 season, and he showed brilliance in North America. In 13 league games, he scored eight goals as Toronto struggled to finish one off of bottom. However, Bernardeschi scored just five goals in 31 league appearances. Much of the season highlighted his <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-exodus-two-designated-players-pushing-for-serie-a-return-20240104-WST-481324.html">desire to leave MLS</a> amid his <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/bernardeschi-admits-error-in-mls-move-unveils-likely-next-club-20231130-WST-474191.html">regret of ever joining Major League Soccer</a>. He targeted a return to Juventus, the Italian club he played for before moving to Toronto.



However, with the winter transfer window nearing its close, it appears Federico Bernardeschi will be staying with Toronto FC. Different outlets are reporting <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Napoli</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/lazio-tv-schedule/">Lazio</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/roma-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Roma</a> have turned down the offer to sign Bernardeschi from Toronto. Now, supporters of the Canadian club are bracing for another season with the Italian occupying one of the Designated Player spots in Toronto’s payroll. 



<h2>No Serie A team wants to take on Bernardeschi from Toronto</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240129_WST_486221_Bernardeschi-Toronto-FC-1200x670_6739236e.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-486246" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Toronto-FC-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Toronto-FC-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Toronto-FC-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Toronto-FC.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



According to reports from Toronto, the reasons for Serie A clubs turning their back on the Italian are clear. The first of those is form. The aforementioned five goals in 31 league appearances in Major League Soccer is far below the standard in Serie A. Also, Bernardeschi is turning 30 in February, and his salary far exceeds what any team in Italy would be willing to pay. MLS contracts, particularly those for a designated player, cost far more than contracts in Europe. Therefore, no club would be willing to offer the Italian so much. At the very least, Bernardeschi can stay in Canada while still making ample money.



Despite the issues off the field, John Herdman, the new manager of Toronto FC who recently left the Canada men’s team head coach role, says both Bernardeschi and his Italian compatriot Lorenzo Insigne are fully committed to the project at Toronto FC. The side is getting ready to begin its preseason schedule before the 2024 MLS season. 



<h2>A wake-up call for Bernardeschi</h2>



As preparations are the focus now, <a href="https://wakingthered.com/2024/01/29/14264/federico-bernardeschi-looks-set-to-stay-at-toronto-fc-after-being-rejected-by-several-italian-clubs-report/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">some Toronto FC fans</a> will hope the denial of Italian clubs can be the impetus for Bernardeschi to turn his time in Major League Soccer around. Evidently, the first full season in Canada did not go according to plan. However, the realization that no team in his homeland wants him can provide more desire for the Italian. 



As things stand, though, the moves for Insigne and Bernardeschi have set out the dismal run of form in recent seasons for Toronto FC. Having joined in the middle of the 2022 season, the last three seasons ended what was one of the more impressive runs of form in MLS. From 2016 to 2019, Toronto FC reached the MLS Cup Final three times, winning it once in 2017. That remains the club’s only league title and the only triumph by a team from Canada. Bernardeschi will play a key role if Toronto wants to get remotely close to those heights this coming season.



PHOTOS

Serie A clubs reject chance to sign Bernardeschi from Toronto

Federico Bernardeschi is staying in Major League Soccer as no Serie A side wanted to take him away from Toronto.

A complete and utter bust emerged from what seemed to be great additions. Most MLS fans would consider them the biggest flops ever as they look for a return to Serie A.



The news that Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi would be continuing their careers with Toronto FC was quite shocking when they arrived. Of all, the club was no stranger to risking big, even with Sebastian Giovinco, their compatriot. However, something about the entrance of the duo seemed off.



After leading Italy to the Euros, Insigne became a legend at Napoli. Bernardeschi, a striker at the peak of his career, swapped Juventus with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a>.



It is difficult to put into words the sheer magnitude of the catastrophe that this has been after two years. Nothing short of a catastrophe is the best way to characterize what happened.



<h2>The problem lies in hefty contracts</h2>



The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/insigne-matches-maradona-as-napoli-stay-on-inters-trail-20220123-CMS-367313.html">significance of Insigne to Napoli</a> is difficult to put into words. His whole life was devoted to playing for the Partenopei, a club he joined in 2006.



He was a rock through thick and thin, earning him a spot in the club’s hall of fame with Diego Maradona and other greats. This made his arrival in MLS all the more remarkable since he was offered a record-breaking contract.



But following his recent middle finger to many Toronto supporters, Insigne made headlines for all the negative reasons. Even worse, he failed to live up to his astronomical contract and superstar reputation. He contributed only five goals and four assists in 21 appearances in the American top division in 2023.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240104_WST_481324_Bernardeschi-Insigne-1200x675_80b02aa2.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-481363" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Insigne-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Insigne-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Insigne-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Insigne.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Paid an estimated $14 million in his first season, surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s yearly wage and making him the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer ever. The veteran, though, has witnessed a significant reduction in his income this season.



Earlier this year, the MLS Players’ Union announced that Insigne earned a whopping $7.5 million that year. The services of Bernardeschi were also richly paid. Toronto FC pays the ex-Juve player about $6.25 million annually.



Because of players like Insigne and Bernardeschi, Toronto FC pays more than any other Major League Soccer club. This accounts for more than 12 clubs’ entire rosters. Unfortunately for TFC, spending money does not guarantee success—certainly not this season.



<h2>MLS duo set for Serie A reunion</h2>



Now, Italian media are reporting that the two are interested in making a move back to Serie A from Toronto FC. According to <a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/03-01-2024/bonucci-insigne-bernardeschi-il-destino-sul-mercato.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Gazzetta dello Sport</a>, the two Euro 2020 champions plan to make a January move back to Italy.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/bernardeschi-admits-error-in-mls-move-unveils-likely-next-club-20231130-WST-474191.html">Bernardeschi</a> and coach Massimiliano Allegri are quite amicable, and rumors have circulated that he may be joining <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus.</a> The Bianconeri, on the other hand, are hesitant to spend on a large salary until they sell a high-value player during the current transfer window. As a result, they have not yet made an offer.



On the other hand, if Gazzetta is to be believed, Insigne would be overjoyed to play for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states">Napoli</a> again. But a return to the Stadio Maradona is out of the question at the moment.



Walter Mazzarri would have a tough time managing the Napoli academy product. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old would have to settle for a supporting role for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Several other Italian clubs, including Fiorentina and Lazio, have shown interest in the winger.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

MLS exodus: Two Designated Players pushing for Serie A return

A complete and utter bust has emerged from what seemed to be great additions. Most MLS fans would consider them the biggest flops ever.

The ‘wrong project,’ according to Federico Bernardeschi, was his stint with Toronto FC, which is not working out. Consequently, he has acknowledged the possibility of returning to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a>.



Last summer, Bernardeschi became a member of Toronto FC after leaving Juventus as a free agent. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-mls-on-us-tv-and-internet/">MLS</a> club brought him in along with fellow Italians Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Criscito. Toronto hoped the trio would breathe life into the Canadian squad. 



Still, after scoring 13 goals in 47 games in the American top division, he has been unable to find success. The team’s fortunes have taken a nosedive instead. They failed to make the playoffs in 2022. In 2023, Toronto finished at the bottom of the standings.



<h2>Bernardeschi labels Toronto move as mitake</h2>



While in Italy last week, the 29-year-old spoke to <a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/24-11-2023/juventus-parla-bernardeschi-siamo-tornati-e-lotteremo-per-lo-scudetto.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Gazzetta dello Sport</a>, which caused quite a stir. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-set-to-introduce-new-dp-rules-in-2024-impacting-all-clubs-20231125-WST-472524.html">Designated Player</a> for TFC discussed his experience in the United States so far, as well as the challenging 2023 season that the Reds endured.



“It was not like everyone expected, starting from the club. We have had many difficulties, there have been changes of coaches and probably it was the wrong project,” the ex-Juventus winger told La Gazzetta.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231130_WST_474191_Bernardeschi-Toronto-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-474235" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Bernardeschi-Toronto-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Bernardeschi-Toronto-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Bernardeschi-Toronto-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Bernardeschi-Toronto.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Bernardeschi has not thrived in Major League Soccer, and a return back to Italy may be on the cards.</figcaption></figure>



“Personally, I had a decent season, it was a nice experience in a totally different football, where trips are longer and it’s not simple logistically. It takes a period of time to adapt, I’ve learned a lot and finally, I’ve recovered from groin issues after one and a half years of struggles.”



Once he acknowledged that Toronto was not the right project for him, he went on to say that he would be happy to go back to his homeland: “I’ve developed as a man and as a footballer at Juventus. A piece of my heart has remained there. I will always be there for Juventus, and I still have a house in Turin.”



<h2>Winger reveals his future plans to fan</h2>



On Wednesday, Federico Bernardeschi was seen at Juventus’ training field, fueling rumors that he might be making a comeback to the club. After seeing his old colleagues and coach, Massimiliano Allegri, at Continassa, he conveyed the same message.



Bernardeschi pulled over to autograph autographs for Bianconeri fans just outside Juve training center’s gates. That’s when an ardent fan wanted to know whether he planned to be back in January, to which he simply said, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0OzdJJqnCR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=43e6ef8d-476c-4145-a81b-a5fe5c4e9bee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“I hope so”</a>.



According to certain sources, Juve is looking to bolster their midfield options by adding Bernardeschi on a short-term basis until the conclusion of the current season. It is well-known that Massimiliano Allegri needs new midfielders.



After losing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pogba-faces-four-year-ban-after-failing-second-drug-test-20231006-WST-460799.html">Paul Pogba</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/juventus-eye-double-swoop-to-fill-gaps-left-by-pogba-and-fagioli-20231111-WST-469393.html">Nicolo Fagioli</a>, the club may hold off on signing suitable replacements until the summer. This has led to speculation that they are interested in signing Bernardeschi on a short-term basis until the season concludes.



Teams will be hesitant to let the Old Lady take their star players in January. The Italians allegedly know this. They are taking advantage of the fact that signing the Toronto winger will be simpler until summer comes.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Bernardeschi admits error in MLS move, unveils likely next club

Federico Bernardeschi was reportedly sighted on Wednesday at the Juventus training field, which suggests he may depart MLS.

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Italy

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Leagues: MLS

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