Sean Johnson joins Toronto FC from NYCFC - Fought off late challenge from Anderlecht
Toronto FC have landed their new starting goalkeeper. On Friday, the Major League Soccer side announced that they had signed free agent Sean Johnson on a Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) deal until 2024. The US men's national team keeper, who was part of the 2022 World Cup squad, was available after his contract with New York City FC expired at the end of the 2022 season.
"Sean is among the top goalkeepers in MLS, and we are thrilled he has chosen Toronto FC as his new club," Toronto FC president Bill Manning said in a club statement. "Sean is a true leader on and off the field, and his experience, winning mentality, and shot-blocking ability will help us solidify our defense." Added Toronto FC head coach Bob Bradley: "Sean has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in MLS, given his club and international career. Sean continues to demonstrate his elite shot-stopping ability, athleticism, and decision-making in important moments and the biggest games."
Since becoming a free agent on Jan. 1, 2023, Johnson was in high demand. The goalkeeper had offers not just from MLS clubs but also from abroad, where AZ Alkmaar and RSC Anderlecht were interested. Anderlecht, in fact, was in the race until the very end. But Maple Leaf Square Sports & Entertainment, the company that owns not just TFC but also the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) and the Toronto Raptors (NBA) worked hard to secure the signing. Johnson was spotted earlier this month on the sidelines of a Toronto Raptors game.
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Toronto FC secure Johnson - Goalkeeper position was a weakness last season
Signing Johnson fills a major need for TFC. The Canadian club is one of the biggest spenders in MLS, and in Lorenzo Insigne had the highest-paid player in 2022. Despite heavy investments in attacking players, Toronto often seemed top heavy last season and the club finished second last in the Eastern Conference conceding the third most goals of any club in the league (66). Johnson has been one of the best goalkeepers over the last few years. In 2022 he conceded 41 goals and had 14 clean sheets. The 33-year-old also guided New York City to an MLS Cup in 2021.
- Date of birth/Age:
- May 31, 1989 (34)
- Nat.:
- Current club:
- Toronto FC
- Contract until:
- Dec 31, 2024
- Position:
- Goalkeeper
- Market Value:
- €1.20m
- Total Market Value:
- €32.75m
- Competition:
- Major League Soccer
- Manager:
- John Herdman
- Squad size:
- 28
- Latest Transfer:
- Derrick Etienne Jr.
- Total Market Value:
- €54.48m
- Competition:
- Major League Soccer
- Manager:
- Nick Cushing
- Squad size:
- 31
- Latest Transfer:
- Rio Hope-Gund