The list of world class forwards linked with Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC keeps on growing.
But, sorry to be the party pooper here, that doesn’t mean anything’s going to happen.
Numerous reports suggest Chelsea’s Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o is the next in a long line of top strikers to be joining TFC, as Jermain Defore, Alessandro Del Piero and Alberto Gilardino to name a few.
Eto’o, 32, signed with Chelsea on a one-year deal when he joined from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala this summer. He’s been sporadically starting for the Blues and in the last week he scored three times in two starts as Chelsea beat Schalke and drew with West Bromwich Albion. The former Real Mallorca, Barcelona and Inter Milan striker comes with an incredible pedigree and still has a lot to give, as he’s shown for Chelsea this year.
We all known Tim Leiweke is desperate to turn Toronto FC into a success story, but is Eto’o really the go to man? Perhaps, but I believe he’s just one of a number of DPs the Canadian side are looking to add as Ryan Nelsen’s overhaul continues. They need two or three DPs, desperately.
The plus point for TFC is that if they wait until May the Cameroon legend will actually be available on a free transfer. So this may sway Eto’o in the direction of Southern Ontario but I can’t help but be skeptical about this rumor. If he’s paid massive amounts with a DP salary, yes I can see it happening. As we all well know, Toronto are well supported and their long suffering fans fill the stands no matter whats going on but a successful team will bring sellouts.
Eto’o has scored 295 goals in 586 games in his career and is Cameroon’s all-time leading appearance holder and goalscorer with 55 goals from 112 games. He is a poacher who can provide much needed goals. Think Robert Earnshaw but 10 times better. (Sorry, Earny)
His pedigree is undoubted and a top goalscorer is exactly what goal-shy Toronto have been lacking for several seasons.
That said, I’ll believe Eto’o leading the Reds to MLS Cup glory when I see it.