Toronto FC has landed its playmaker.
TFC has signed Amado Guevara, completing the final detals of the deal on Wednesday. The Honduran midfielder is expected join Toronto in Carson,California for Sunday’s match at Home Depot Center. Guevara has signed a multi-year deal with only the first year guaranteed.
Toronto traded undisclosed draft picks in 2009 and 2010 for the rights to Guevara, who left MLS early in the 2007 season after a falling out with Chivas USA coach Preki and after rejecting an initial trade to Toronto.
As first reported by SBI three weeks ago, Toronto FC targeted Guevara as the club’s top playmaking midfield target more than a month ago and spent several weeks working on a deal to lure the Honduran national team captain back to MLS. After securing his release from CD Motagua, Guevara was clear to complete a new contract with MLS less than four months after his previous deal with MLS had run out (he spent the final portion of his MLS contract on loan to Motagua).
With Guevara now in place, Toronto boasts one of the best central midfielders in MLS with Guevara, Maurice Edu and Carl Robinson expected to partner in a 4-5-1 formation.
Is signing Guevara a good move? That depends on which Amado Guevara shows up. If it is the hard-working star who earned MLS MVP honors in 2004, then Toronto has itself a steal. If it is the petulant playmaker who played his way out of Chivas USA then Toronto could be in big trouble.
Guevara won’t lack for motivation, playing in packed houses at BMO Field for the most well-supported club in MLS. He was a fan favorite for the Red Bulls/MetroStars and just might find his MVP form if he becomes the darling of the fans at BMO Field.
Those wondering whether Guevara can still play need only consider his form in the past year with the Honduran national team and his efforts in leading Motagua through a successful season during his recent time with the club.
What do you think of Toronto’s signing of Guevara? Like it? Love it? Share your thoughts below.