Ayo Akinola now a free agent - Toronto FC announce roster decisions

After hiring new head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley, Major League Soccer side Toronto FC have announced their preliminary roster moves ahead of the 2022 season. The most notable name is Ayo Akinola. The 21-year-old Canadian national team striker, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury he sustained at the 2021 Gold Cup, will become a free agent on Dec. 15. 

Julian Dunn, Liam Fraser, Nick DeLeon, Tsubasa Endoh, and Erickson Gallardo will also see their contracts expire. Toronto FC also has not exercised the options on Kevin Silva, Omar Gonzalez, Eriq Zavaleta, Rocco Romeo, and Patrick Mullins. Romeo was on loan at Canadian Premier League side Valour FC. The club exercised the contract options for Quentin Westberg, Auro Jr, Jonathan Osorio, Noble Okello, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Ifunanyachi Achara. 

Akinola, in particular, will draw significant interest. Before sustaining his injury, there was significant interest from Turkish club Trabzonspor. The Süper Lig club wanted to sign the forward on a free transfer. But following his injury, the rumor mill has gone quiet. With a market value of $5.5 million, Akinola is the fourth most valuable Canadian forward on the planet.