TORONTO – Toronto FC announced on Thursday that it has signed Liechtenstein’s Nicolas Hasler, a move that adds some depth to the right side of the Reds’ defence.
Hasler, 26, he will be added to the roster upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and his Canadian work permit. Terms of the deal were not released.
Although primarily a midfielder, he’s also spent time as a winger and fullback.
Hasler has played the bulk of his pro career with FC Vaduz, who were recently relegated to the Swiss second division after finishing in last place in Switzerland’s Super League during the 2016-17 season.
He spent six years at Vaduz, where he was named Liechtensteiner Footballer of the Year in 2015, before leaving the club last month after he was unable to come to terms with the team on a new contract. In total, he made 157 appearances with Vaduz in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and tallying six assists in all competitions
Hasler has earned 45 caps and scored two goals for Liechtenstein since making his national team debut in 2010. He is also the son of Rainer Hasler, considered one of Liechtenstein’s greatest soccer players.
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The addition of Hasler comes at crucial time for Toronto FC, who could use some added depth on the right side of the pitch.
Fullback Nick Hagglund is still recovering from a torn MCL in his left knee that he suffered back in May. Coach Greg Vanney said on Tuesday that Hagglund could return to full training in seven to 14 days.
Wingback Steven Beitashour was recently released from the hospital, and he remains on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on an injured pancreas. Vanney explained that Beitashour is feeling much better and is on the road to recovery. But he couldn’t say when the veteran defender, replaced by rookie Oyvind Alseth in Toronto’s last two games, might return to action.
With the uncertainty of the Beitashour situation, TFC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko told Sportsnet this week that the right side of the field was one area that he was looking to reinforce during MLS’ summer transfer window, which opened on Monday.
“We’re looking at that. We might sign a player, but I don’t see any major changes. We are looking to deepen that position because we don’t know for sure how long Steven is going to be out,” Bezbatchenko said.
“Oyvind [Alseth] stepped in and has done well, and Tsubasa [Endoh], Marky [Delgado] and Armando [Cooper] can play in Beita’s position, so there are a number of guys who can fill in. But we’re certainly looking in that area where we might add a piece.”
The uncertainty over Beitashour’s long-term status also led to TFC offering a trial to Raul, a 20-year-old defender with Brazilian club Gremio. Raul arrived in town on Sunday and trained with the team on Tuesday.
MLS clubs have until the roster freeze date of Sept. 15 to make player additions.
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