The end of the saga could be at hand after almost five months, as Toronto close in on the Argentine striker.
Toronto FC released a statement on Tuesday regarding the long-running transfer saga of Maximiliano Urruti:
“We have been involved in a lengthy process for Maximiliano Urruti to join Toronto FC and Major League Soccer, and we hope that it will conclude by the end of the week. In the meantime, Maxi is in Toronto and he will train with the team. The club will provide no further comment at this time.”
This is a great sign for Toronto fans, with the club being linked with the Argentine striker as far back as March. For whatever reasons the transfer never materialised and, following the closing of the MLS transfer window last Thursday, it looked as if Toronto would be without Urruti until next season.
However, whilst it is true that the window shut on August 8th, that only applies to players still under contract at another foreign professional club. Urruti is believed to currently be a Newell’s Old Boys player, but when the Toronto Sun asked Toronto FC president and GM Kevin Payne about Urruti’s status, he remained deliberately vague: “In some cases, players are able to get themselves free even though they are very valuable players,” Payne said, “Whether they’re not getting paid or whatever the situation may be, they are able to have themselves declared free agents.”
What is certain is that Urruti is currently in training with Toronto, and it would certainly be odd for him to have left Argentina (who’s season is currently underway) simply to trial with Toronto.
Toronto fans have undoubtedly been burnt before, but maybe it’ll be ok for them to get their hopes up just one last time.
Maxi Urruti in training this morning. Reds working to finalize a deal for the striker. #TFClive pic.twitter.com/Yy1k4HrYn1
— Toronto FC (@torontofc) August 14, 2013