Toronto FC recently confirmed the termination of contracts for Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne. The former Italy internationals are ending their MLS tenures, which will likely be remembered more for their shortcomings than their achievements on the pitch.
The club and players agreed to mutually terminate the remaining years of their contracts. This decision wasn`t entirely unexpected, as reports suggested both Bernardeschi and Insigne were seeking to leave Toronto towards the end of their time with the Canadian club.
They joined Toronto midway through the 2022 season. This was a significant investment by a club aiming to regain its competitive edge after missing deep playoff runs for two consecutive years. However, the results were inconsistent. Despite Bernardeschi`s 26 goals in 99 appearances and Insigne`s 19 goals in 76 matches, Toronto FC failed to qualify for the playoffs during their stay. The team also currently sits in 13th place in the Eastern Conference this season with only four wins so far, making a playoff berth unlikely.
Ultimately, their time in MLS was characterized by a failure to significantly improve the team or leave a lasting positive impression, despite being among the league`s highest-paid players. Before their departure, Insigne was the league`s second-highest earner, reportedly making over $15 million annually, while Bernardeschi`s salary exceeded $6 million per year.
Their expensive acquisitions, however, have led many to label them among the worst `marquee` or `Designated Player` signings in league history. They now join a varied list of former MLS figures who perhaps generated more controversy or drama than on-field success or excitement.
Worst Marquee Signings in MLS History
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Blaise Matuidi, Inter Miami
Years before Lionel Messi arrived in South Florida, Inter Miami was keen to sign high-profile names, already having Gonzalo Higuain on their roster. Midway through their first season in 2020, they added World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi on a free transfer. The deal initially raised questions, and the following year, MLS determined that Matuidi`s contract violated the league`s financial rules. This resulted in a $2 million fine for the club and a suspension for the then-COO. Miami was forced to omit Matuidi from their 2022 roster due to having too many designated players. The ensuing scandal became far more memorable than anything Matuidi accomplished on the field for the club. -
Federico Bernardeschi, Toronto FC
Bernardeschi`s inclusion here isn`t just due to recent events, but also highlights his unique ability to make this list despite Toronto`s long history of disappointing high-profile signings. While Bernardeschi had some impressive moments, including a hat trick against CF Montreal recently and being an MLS All-Star last year, his tenure in Toronto was often defined more by negative `vibes`. His ever-changing hairstyles might be memorable, but so is his record of 26 yellow cards and four red cards, which nearly matches his goal tally. Like many MLS Designated Players, he faced accusations of primarily being in the league for a paycheck, claims he denied. However, his former teammate C.J. Sapong controversially alleged that Bernardeschi used a vape in the locker room early in his Toronto spell. -
Rais M`Bolhi, Philadelphia Union
While Bernardeschi`s time in MLS was a drawn-out affair, goalkeeper Rais M`Bolhi stands out as one of the worst Designated Player signings in league history due to how quickly it fell apart. Fresh off an impressive 2014 World Cup performance for Algeria, where he made 11 saves against eventual champions Germany in the Round of 16, M`Bolhi joined the Philadelphia Union. However, less than a year later, then-head coach Jim Curtin stated that M`Bolhi would never play for the team again, citing poor performances and rumored disputes with teammates. The goalkeeper appeared in only nine games for the Union, failing to make an impact in record time. -
Rafael Marquez, New York Red Bulls
Many Designated Player misfortunes begin as exciting, expensive signings meant to bring silverware. The New York Red Bulls did this after the 2010 World Cup, signing two former Barcelona stars, Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez. Their MLS paths diverged significantly. Henry is considered among the league`s best despite not winning an MLS Cup, while Marquez was far from it. Though more prominent on the field than Matuidi, his actions were not always positive. He lacked pace, received red cards in the playoffs in two of his three seasons, and famously threw a ball at Landon Donovan during a playoff loss to the LA Galaxy. Combined with comments about his teammates not being at his `level` and calling his MLS move the worst decision of his career, Marquez has secured his place among the most disappointing Designated Players. -
Lothar Matthaus, New York/New Jersey MetroStars
Before the Red Bulls era and even before the Designated Player rule existed, Lothar Matthaus had a short and disastrous spell with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. His time was brief – only from March to October 2000 – and even shorter than M`Bolhi`s Union tenure. He contributed little in his 16 appearances. The most infamous moment of his short stint was a vacation to St. Tropez while he was supposedly recovering from a back injury. He retired shortly thereafter, completing the opposite of a highlight reel in a surprisingly quick fashion.
