The Gilberto saga is over.
Toronto FC officially announced on Friday that the in-limbo DP striker has been loaned to Brazilian Série A club Vasco da Gama.
Per club and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“This move was necessary in order for us to be roster and budget compliant for the start of the 2015 season. While necessary it also allows us to gain flexibility and options both today and in the future,” TFC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a statement. “We’d like to thank Gilberto for his contributions to Toronto FC and wish him well this season.”
Gilberto, 25, was originally signed as a Designated Player in December 2013 as part of the "Bloody Big Deal" initiative that also saw the Reds add big-name stars Michael Bradley and Jermain Defoe. The Brazilian made 32 appearances, scored seven goals, and notched five assists in all competitions with the Reds in 2014.
However, after Toronto missed the playoffs for the 8th year in a row, the club moved to strengthen the squad, bringing in US international Jozy Altidore and Italian international Sebastian Giovinco, both signed as DPs. Per MLS roster rules, each club is permitted a maximum of three DPs on its roster. Gilberto, then, was the odd man out, stuck in limbo, something that TFC head coach Greg Vanney recognized.
“It’s a unique situation,” Vanney said last week. “He’s taking a look at some different options I think, for himself, as we, along with his representation, work through this process.”
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Gilberto did not join the squad as they began their 2015 preseason preparations. He was reportedly training with Vasco da Gama in late January, and reports surfaced this week out of Brazil that he would go on loan to the Rio de Janeiro club.
