Toronto FC's first ever Designated Player has been sent to FC Dallas in exchange for Andrew Wiedeman.
The Julian de Guzman era in Toronto is over.
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Toronto FC traded the 31-year-old native of Scarborough, Ontario to FC Dallas in exchange for 22-year-old Adrew Wiedeman. It is expected that TFC will pay at least part of de Guzman's salary for the remainder of the season.
“Julian has had a very experienced career, having played in both the German and Spanish first divisions,” FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman said in a statement. “He is a central midfielder, a holding midfielder and a very skillful player. He also has a lot of experience playing with the Canadian National Team.
"He will give FC Dallas an additional veteran that can solidify our possession style of play. He also has a bit of toughness to him that will help us win 50-50 balls and control the central midfield.”
De Guzman's departure is the latest in a series of moves enacted by TFC head coach Paul Mariner. It appears that Toronto is not done scouring the market for additions, and may look to bring in a DP in the near future.
"Losing someone like Julian is never easy but this deal gives us increased flexibility to address areas where we have more pressing needs and opens up a designated player spot for our club,” said Mariner. “On behalf of everyone at Toronto FC, I’d like to thank Julian for his contributions to the club and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Having joined the Reds in Sept. 2009 from Spainsh club Deportivo La Coruna, de Guzman was Toronto's first ever Designated Player. However, he struggled to adapt to MLS and the midfielder's tenure in his hometown was marred by inconsistent performances amid high expectations.
De Guzman was the second-highest paid player on the TFC roster, with his $1.9 million (U.S.) salary in 2012 behind only that of former German international Torsten Frings.
In 96 career appearances with Toronto FC in all competitions, de Guzman scored three times.
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