Napoli Captain Lorenzo Insigne Set For Record MLS Move

Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne is set to leave the club for the MLS in the summer, with the Italy international poised to join Toronto FC.

The 30-year-old is out of contract in the summer and will not put pen to paper on a new deal with the Naples outfit, where he has spent his entire professional career.

But according to widespread reports in Italy and the United States, Insigne is to embark on a new challenge in Canada.

MLS writer Michael Singh says Insigne has agreed terms ahead of a June transfer and is expected to earn a record $12 million per season.

Insigne joined Napoli as a 15-year-old and made his Serie A debut in 2010 and going on to score 114 goals in 414 appearances as well as captaining the side.

He's been a regular in the Italy national team and played a key role in the Euro 2020 triumph in the summer.

Insigne's former agent Antonio Ottaiano feels the move to the MLS is a premature one at this stage of his career.

"It's a lifestyle choice more than a career one," Ottaiano told Radio Marte.

"A decision like this means playing a very different type of sport. It's exhibition football, not a proper competition. 

"We'd need to see what his priorities are, who he is getting advice from.

"Naturally, we Italians struggle to understand a move like this, yet Giovinco did it. Only those who are in this situation can understand how much the salary pushes them to accept or not."

Compatriot Sebastian Giovinco made the very same move and became the league's highest-paid player ahead of 2007 Ballon d'Or winner Kaka.

He was just about to turn 30, an age many felt was a tad early to head across to 'The Six', and ended up becoming the club's all-time record goalscorer with 83 goals in 142 games.

As well as Insigne, Toronto are also reportedly looking at drafting in his international colleague Andrea Belotti on a free.

It's said the club are willing to offer more than what Torino are in contract negotiations.

Toronto are managed by former Swansea and United States boss Bob Bradley, with his son Michael captaining the Reds.

Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Pozuelo are both designated players.

Featured Image Credit: Image: PA

Topics: Napoli, MLS

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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