Federico Bernardeschi is close to signing for Toronto FC in the MLS, a move that means he will leave Europe at the age of 28.
The midfielder left Juventus at the end of last season as a free agent, after he failed to agree to terms of a new deal.
The Bianconeri have been cutting down on their wage bill and have been offering players smaller salaries when they renew their contracts.
At the time, reports speculated that Juve will ask him to accept a reduced salary to remain at the club, and he refused.
He was expecting to earn more money when he becomes a free agent, but it never came from a Serie A club.
Calciomercato reports that only Napoli was serious about signing him, but their contract offer was too small monetarily.
The report now claims he is moving to Toronto because they have agreed to pay him 5m euros per season, the highest offer he has received so far.
Juve FC Says
Bernardeschi was never exactly a key player for us and spent most of his time at the club as a squad member.
He probably overestimated himself and how much other clubs will want him, which is why he left Juve.
A move to the MLS should be for a player that is retiring, but 5m euros per season is too good for him to turn down.
Why can’t it be Dabyla instead? Is it that Juve management has a personal issue with Dabyla?which would make more sense, offering him a Seven million over a four year period, Pogba, Di Maria & the others, Juve could be back to normal
He is not going to make 5 million anywhere and knows it. He made a mistake going to Juve to early. It stunted his game. Some players it propels them ahead and others not. I think that is why Berardi always chose to stay at Sassuolo.
Mind you, Insigne probably talked him into it. He looks like he is enjoying Toronto along with Criscito. Remember the game in MLS is inferior. For these guys it is a walk in the park. Maybe that is what Fed wants even at his age. He is tired of the major competition and just wants to enjoy the game again while making more money then he would anywhere in europe. And also enjoy a city with perhaps the largest and most vibrant italian expat community.