Djordje Mihailovic’s Transfer to Toronto FC
Djordje Mihailovic, an international player for the United States, has made a significant move to Toronto FC from the Colorado Rapids, with a deal that could culminate in a total of $9 million. This transfer, revealed by both MLS teams on Thursday, involves an initial guaranteed payment of $8 million, with an additional potential of $1 million based on performance-related benchmarks. This transaction ranks as the second-highest cash deal in Major League Soccer history, following FC Cincinnati’s acquisition of Evander from the Portland Timbers earlier this year for $12 million.
Contract Details and Player Commitment
As part of the agreement, Colorado Rapids will retain a percentage of any future transfer for Mihailovic, who has committed to Toronto FC under a Designated Player contract extending through 2028, with an option for another year in 2029. The 26-year-old midfielder had joined the Rapids in January 2024 after his stint at the Dutch club AZ Alkmaar.
Mihailovic’s Statement and Performance
Mihailovic expressed his gratitude towards the Colorado Rapids in a statement where he noted his request to leave was for personal reasons. “I want to thank everyone at the Colorado Rapids for everything they’ve done for me over the past year. This club brought me back from Europe and supported my dream of representing the United States in the Olympics. I appreciate the professionalism and understanding shown by the Rapids in facilitating this transfer. I will always cherish the memories made here with my teammates, coaches, staff, and fans,” he remarked.
Throughout his time in Colorado, Mihailovic showcased his talent with an impressive tally of 23 goals and 18 assists in 63 matches across all competitions. He is also a proud member of the U.S. team participating in the 2024 Olympics and has earned 11 caps for the national squad, with his most recent appearance being in the 2023 Gold Cup.
Toronto FC’s Transformation
Toronto FC is currently undergoing a transformation after parting ways with former Italian stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi last month. General Manager Jason Hernandez described Mihailovic’s signing as a “landmark moment” for the club, indicating their commitment to winning. “Djordje is a remarkable chance creator, and we see him as a fundamental asset as we strive to enhance our team’s performance. His work ethic and competitive spirit were pivotal in securing him as our new number 10,” Hernandez stated.
Mihailovic’s journey in professional soccer began with the Chicago Fire, and he previously played for CF Montreal in Canada.
