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Toronto FC's roster makeover continued late Thursday night, with the club pulling off a major deal that could pave the way for some much-needed defensive help.
Toronto FC is preparing to trade away Canadian midfielder Julian DeGuzman to FC Dallas in a deal that will free up the cap room and Designated Player slot the team needs to land a high-profile central defender, sources told SBI on Thursday evening. The trade is expected to be announced later today, once all details have been finalized. (UPDATE- The trade has been completed, with FC Dallas sending reserve forward Andrew Wiedeman to Toronto FC).
It is still unclear what Toronto FC will receive from Dallas in the trade, but it should not be expected to be much considering Dallas is taking on DeGuzman's big contract. TFC is almost assuredly paying a portion of DeGuzman's remaining salary in 2012, and FC Dallas might see DeGuzman as a non-DP option for beyond 2012.
DeGuzman, 31, spent parts of four seasons with Toronto FC, leaves the club never having fulfilled the high expectations placed upon him when he was first signed to a seven-figure contract by the Canadian squad. The presence of Terry Dunfield along with the continued outstanding play of Torsten Frings made DeGuzman even more expendable for a team desperate to make room for defensive help.
Just who does TFC have in mind to bolster the back-line? Sources tell SBI that Canadian defender Kevin McKenna is one target, while the club is apparently also lining up up a move for a high-profile European defender.
TFC has recently released midfielder Nick Soolsma and send midfielder Joao Plata on loan. Those moves, coupled with trading away DeGuzman, could give the team the necessary flexibility to add not one, but two central defenders to a back-line in dire need of centerback help.
For FC Dallas, the arrival of DeGuzman would seem to suggest that player/coach Daniel Hernandez's days with the Hoops are over, at least in a playing capacity. With the team's current season all but over in the midst of a lengthy winless streak that has stuck the team in the Western Conference basement, Schellas Hyndman could see DeGuzman as an ideal partner for David Ferreira heading into 2013.
What do you think of this development? Glad to see TFC making some moves, or are you skeptical about letting DeGuzman go? Scratching your head as to why FC Dallas would be interested in DeGuzman, or do you think he could be a bargain in 2013 at a non-DP salary?
Share your thoughts below.