Donovan and Howard Slam Toronto FC’s DP Disaster

Toronto FC’s Designated Player Situation Under Fire

Toronto FC’s designated player situation has become a major point of contention in Major League Soccer, with former USMNT stars Landon Donovan and Tim Howard voicing stinging criticism of ex-Toronto FC duo Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. Speaking candidly, the two American legends called the Italian pair’s tenure in Canada “a joke” that has left the club in turmoil.

The Failed Promise of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi at Toronto FC

Toronto FC once heralded the signings of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi as a new era for the club, with hopes that the European stars would drive the team to new heights. The reality, however, fell far short of expectations. Instead of propelling Toronto FC into contention, both Designated Players have been plagued by inconsistency and off-field issues, leading to widespread frustration among fans and pundits.

Landon Donovan minced no words in his assessment, describing the DP experiment as “embarrassing” and a “disaster” for the club. Tim Howard echoed those sentiments, stating that Toronto FC was supposed to set the standard in MLS before Atlanta United’s rise, but instead, the team has become an example of what not to do when building a roster around highly paid foreign talent.

Inside the Criticism: What Went Wrong with the Big Signings?

Both Donovan and Howard highlighted the lack of leadership, commitment, and cohesion brought by Insigne and Bernardeschi. Instead of inspiring their teammates, the Italians reportedly contributed to a fractured locker room, frequent coaching upheavals, and a toxic atmosphere that undercut the club’s long-term vision.

Statistically, both Insigne and Bernardeschi struggled to deliver consistent performances. Injuries, tactical misunderstandings, and apparent disinterest on the field only fueled the narrative that Toronto FC’s massive investment had backfired. The former internationals’ combined goal contributions failed to justify their status as two of the highest earners in MLS.

Toronto FC’s Future: Rebuilding After the DP Setback

In the wake of such high-profile failures, Donovan and Howard argue that Toronto FC must look inward and focus on the fundamentals. Both experts advocate strongly for head coach John Herdman—formerly mentioned as Fraser—to be given multiple years to rebuild the squad and culture. Donovan and Howard contend that patience and a commitment to developing young, hungry players will be vital if Toronto FC is to recover from the damage caused by recent missteps.

This new approach would see the club shift away from headline-grabbing signings and instead nurture North American talent, establish a clear identity, and build a stronger foundation for sustainable success in MLS.

Lessons Learned: The Risks of High-Profile DP Transfers

The Toronto FC saga serves as a cautionary tale for other MLS teams considering splashy Designated Player signings. While such deals can generate excitement and drive jersey sales, they also carry significant risks. Without proper integration and a strong locker room culture, even world-class talents can become liabilities rather than assets.

Donovan and Howard’s scathing review should prompt Toronto FC and other MLS franchises to rethink their recruitment strategies, balancing ambition with pragmatism. The emphasis should be on finding players who fit the team’s ethos and are willing to invest themselves fully in the club’s success.

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For more news, analysis, and in-depth coverage of Toronto FC and Major League Soccer, visit for more news. Stay up to date with the latest developments as Toronto FC embarks on a new chapter, aiming to restore pride and competitiveness after a turbulent period.

Opinion: Time for Patience and a New Direction

Toronto FC’s recent struggles underscore the importance of building a team with the right mix of talent, commitment, and chemistry. The failures with Insigne and Bernardeschi should serve as a turning point. By focusing on homegrown talent and fostering a positive club culture, Toronto FC can move past its “joke” reputation and chart a course toward long-term MLS success.