Ranking the Biggest MLS Transfer Flops

Toronto FC recently announced that the contracts of Italian international players Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne have been terminated. This decision marks the end of their time in MLS, a period likely to be remembered more for its failures than for significant success.

The club stated that buying out the remaining years of both players` contracts was a “mutual” agreement. This aligns with reports suggesting both Bernardeschi and Insigne were ready to move on from Toronto by the conclusion of their spell in the Canadian city.

The duo arrived mid-way through the 2022 season, a high-profile move intended to propel Toronto FC back into playoff contention after two years without a deep run. The outcome proved disappointing. Although Bernardeschi scored 26 goals across 99 games and Insigne netted 19 in 76 matches, Toronto never reached the playoffs during their tenancy and currently sit in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with only four wins so far this season.

Despite being among the league`s highest-paid athletes – Insigne earning over $15 million and Bernardeschi over $6 million annually prior to their departure – their tenure was primarily characterized by their inability to significantly improve the team or make a lasting positive impression. This lack of impact, combined with their substantial salaries, places them squarely among the most disappointing marquee signings in MLS history. They join an interesting collection of former MLS players whose presence arguably generated more controversy or lack of performance than actual on-field brilliance.

The Most Disappointing Marquee Signings in MLS History

1. 5. Blaise Matuidi, Inter Miami

   Before the arrival of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami was focused on adding prominent names, including Gonzalo Higuain. Midway through their inaugural 2020 season, they also secured World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi on a free transfer. The deal raised eyebrows from the outset, and the following year, MLS found Matuidi`s contract violated the league`s financial rules, resulting in a $2 million club fine and a suspension for the then-COO. This controversy forced Miami to leave Matuidi off their 2022 roster due to restrictions on designated players, ensuring the scandal was far more memorable than his on-field contributions.

2. 4. Federico Bernardeschi, Toronto FC

   Bernardeschi`s inclusion here is not simply recent news bias but also reflects his notable ability to rank among the top five despite Toronto`s extensive history of high-profile signings that did not succeed. While Bernardeschi had moments of skill, including a hat-trick this season and an MLS All-Star selection last year, his time in Toronto seemed more about “vibes,” and often not positive ones. His distinctive hairstyles may be memorable, but so is his disciplinary record of 26 yellow cards and four red cards, which is comparable to his goal tally. He faced accusations, common among MLS Designated Players, that he was primarily there for the money, claims he denied, though a former teammate alleged Bernardeschi used a vape in the locker room early in his Toronto stint.

3. 3. Rais M`Bolhi, Philadelphia Union

   In contrast to Bernardeschi`s prolonged saga, goalkeeper Rais M`Bolhi distinguishes himself as one of the worst designated player signings in league history due to the speed of his failure. After impressing with 11 saves for Algeria against eventual champions Germany in the 2014 World Cup round of 16, M`Bolhi joined the Philadelphia Union. However, less than a year later, then-head coach Jim Curtin declared M`Bolhi would never play for the team again, citing poor performances and a rumored conflict with teammates. The goalkeeper ultimately played just nine games for the Union, failing remarkably quickly.

4. 2. Rafael Marquez, New York Red Bulls

   Many designated player disappointments start similarly: a splashy signing meant to bring trophies. The New York Red Bulls followed this pattern after the 2010 World Cup, bringing in two former Barcelona players, Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez. Their MLS paths diverged significantly. Henry is considered among the league`s greats despite not winning MLS Cup, while Marquez was far from successful. Although more impactful on the field than Matuidi, his moments weren`t always positive – he lacked pace, received red cards in the playoffs in two out of three seasons, and threw a ball at Landon Donovan during a playoff loss to the LA Galaxy. Combined with public comments that his teammates weren`t at his “level” and calling his move to MLS the worst decision of his career, Marquez is a standout member of the club of terrible designated players.

5. 1. Lothar Matthaus, New York/New Jersey MetroStars

   Before the team became the Red Bulls and years before the designated player rule existed, Lothar Matthaus had a famously unsuccessful period with the MetroStars in 2000. His spell was even shorter than M`Bolhi`s, lasting only from March to October. He contributed little in his 16 appearances, and the most memorable event of his brief time was a vacation to St. Tropez when he was supposed to be recovering from a back injury. He retired soon after, managing the opposite of a highlight reel in a surprisingly short timeframe.

These examples serve as cautionary tales about the unpredictable nature of high-profile international signings in MLS, illustrating that significant investment and big names do not guarantee success on the field.