Toronto FC sign Bernardeschi as a Designated Player

Toronto FC signed Italian international winger Federico Bernardeschi as a Designated Player through 2026, the team announced on Friday.

Bernardeschi will be added to the TFC roster pending his International Transfer Certificate and work permit. 

“We are thrilled to add Federico to our team,” Toronto FC president Bill Manning said in a statement. “As a player and a person, we believe he’s exactly what we need right now, both on the field and in the locker room. Federico has proven himself to be a champion and a leader at Juventus and for the Italian national team and brings a pedigree to Toronto that’s second to none."

A product of the Fiorentina system, Bernardeschi made his senior debut during the 2013-2014 season while on loan at Serie B side Crotone. After three seasons with the Viola, Bernardeschi joined Juve in a €40 million move.

In five seasons with the Bianconeri, Bernardeschi made 134 league appearances, scoring eight goals. During his time at Juve, he won two Coppa Italia titles and three Scudetti.

Last season, he made 36 appearances across all competitions.

Internationally, Bernardeschi has been capped 39 times and was a member of Italy's Euro 2020-winning squad last summer.