It appears as though Darren O’Dea has played his last match for Toronto FC.
TFC confirmed that O’Dea, the team captain and an Ireland international defender, is not in Kansas City for Saturday night’s game and “went back to Toronto to finalize a transfer.”
“As per club policy we will not discuss terms and cannot provide any further information at this time,” a statement from Toronto FC read.
After Saturday’s 3-0 loss in Kansas City, TFC coach Ryan Nelsen revealed O’Dea was being sold to a club in Ukraine.
O’Dea quickly took to Twitter and posted this message:
For every1 asking I'm discussing terms with another team. Not what I want! Not got a choice! I'll update you when things are clearer!
— Darren O'Dea (@odea_darren) July 13, 2013
O’Dea’s salary for the 2013 MLS season was $456,250 US. With his contract soon to be off the books, and with the recent trade that sent Luis Silva to D.C. United and the retirement of Danny Califf, Toronto will have a lot more salary cap room to bring in new recruits.
Club president Kevin Payne told reporters on Thursday that the team was looking to sign anywhere from two to four new players during this summer transfer window.
O’Dea, 25, was a mainstay in TFC’s starting lineup ever since joining the club last August as a free agent. He quickly won the respect of his teammates and supporters for his physically uncompromising style of play.
In O’Dea’s absence, defender Steven Caldwell will serve as captain for Saturday’s match.
Good luck to @torontofc boys tonight! Wish I was there! And best of luck and congrats to big Steve! He will be a great leader!
— Darren O'Dea (@odea_darren) July 14, 2013
