# Toronto FC Insigne Bernardeschi Era Ends: A Costly Chapter Closes for MLS Club

The highly anticipated and incredibly expensive **Toronto FC Insigne Bernardeschi** experiment has officially come to a dramatic and premature end. Toronto FC confirmed on Friday that the club has mutually agreed to terminate the contracts of both Italian Designated Players, Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, closing the book on one of the most turbulent and disappointing periods in the club’s history. The move, while shocking in its finality, was seen by many as a necessary step for a franchise desperate to reset its culture and rebuild from the ground up after two years of unfulfilled promises and on-field despair.

When the duo arrived in the summer of 2022, fresh off their UEFA Euro 2020 victory with Italy, their signings were hailed as a monumental coup for both Toronto FC and Major League Soccer. It was a statement of intent, signaling that TFC was ready to spend big to return to the league’s elite. However, the immense hype quickly dissolved, replaced by a grim reality of inconsistent performances, locker-room turmoil, and a catastrophic slide to the bottom of the league standings.

## What Went Wrong with the Toronto FC Insigne Bernardeschi Project?

The departure of two of the league’s highest-paid players marks a definitive turning point for Toronto FC under General Manager Jason Hernandez and Head Coach John Herdman. It frees up two crucial Designated Player slots and an enormous amount of salary cap space, providing the flexibility needed for a significant squad overhaul. But how did a project with so much promise go so horribly wrong? The failure can be attributed to a combination of factors that created a perfect storm of dysfunction at BMO Field.

### 1. Astronomical Cost vs. Minimal Return

At the heart of the issue was the staggering financial investment. According to the official MLS Players Association salary guide, Lorenzo Insigne was the highest-paid player in the league with a guaranteed compensation of $15.4 million, while Federico Bernardeschi was second at $6.3 million. For a combined investment of over $21 million annually, the on-field return was shockingly poor.

While both players showed flashes of individual brilliance, their contributions did not translate into team success. In 2023, the club finished dead last in the entire league, setting a franchise record for losses in a single season. For that level of expenditure, the expectation is not just individual statistics, but a transformative impact that lifts the entire team. That simply never materialized.

### 2. On-Field Inconsistency and Perceived Lack of Effort

Despite their world-class pedigrees, neither player could consistently impose their will on MLS matches. Insigne, in particular, struggled with injuries and was often criticized by fans and pundits for a perceived lack of defensive work rate and visible on-field frustration. He finished his TFC career with just 11 goals and 6 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.

Bernardeschi was statistically more productive, with 16 goals and 10 assists in 65 appearances, but he too was prone to disappearing in games and was part of the leadership group of a team that completely collapsed. The duo’s inability to elevate the players around them was a damning indictment of their impact.

### 3. Persistent Reports of Locker Room Turmoil

Perhaps the most damaging aspect of their tenure was the constant swirl of off-field drama. Reports of clashes with former head coach Bob Bradley were rampant, culminating in Bradley’s dismissal in June 2023. The Italians were accused of creating a toxic, divided locker room and undermining the coach’s authority. When John Herdman took over, he spoke extensively about the need for a “culture reset,” a clear signal that the existing environment was untenable. Parting ways with the two biggest personalities and salaries is the most definitive step possible in achieving that goal.

### 4. A Mismatch with Team Needs and League Demands

The signings felt more like a move to sell tickets and jerseys than a strategic decision to build a balanced, competitive roster. The club invested heavily in attacking wingers while neglecting other critical areas of the pitch. Major League Soccer is a physically demanding, high-energy league that requires relentless pressing and defensive commitment from all eleven players. The **Toronto FC Insigne Bernardeschi** duo often seemed unwilling or unable to meet these physical demands, leaving the team exposed defensively and creating a tactical imbalance that opponents consistently exploited.

### 5. The John Herdman Effect: A New Philosophy

The arrival of John Herdman from the Canadian Men’s National Team signaled a new direction. Herdman is known for his ability to build a strong, unified team culture where the collective is more important than any individual. It became clear that the star-centric model built around Insigne and Bernardeschi was incompatible with his philosophy. This mutual termination is Herdman’s ultimate power play, allowing him to wipe the slate clean and build a roster of players who are fully bought into his vision and the demanding culture he wants to instill. For TFC, the future is now a blank canvas, a welcome sight after two years of scribbled-out plans and broken promises. This is a bold new chapter for the club, and you can follow it all for more news.