Transaction tracker: Reds add TFC 2's Markus Cimermancic

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Toronto FC transaction tracker

The transaction tracker at TFC Republic is a special feature where we will list all of the roster moves made by Toronto FC.

TFC REPUBLICJohn Molinaro

Feb. 21, 2025: TFC adds Cimermanic to main roster  

Toronto FC signs TFC 2 midfielder Markus Cimermancic to a first team contract as a homegrown player through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028.

Quick analysis: Toronto FC added some midfield depth with the signing of Cimermancic, who is the 36th player in club history to graduate from the youth academy to the first team.

He's also the latest in a long line of players to sign a deal with the senior side after cutting their teeth with TFC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, a list that includes Kobe Franklin, Alonso Coello, Charlie Sharp and Luka Gavran.

Considering he's one of the club's brightest prospects, this move shouldn't at all come as a surprise.

"We are thrilled to announce the signing of Markus to a first team contract as a homegrown player after coming through our ranks for the past 10 years,” GM  Jason Hernandez said in a media release. "Markus has delivered in both our academy and TFC 2 systems, and we look forward to his continued growth in our first team.

Cimermancic, 20, began playing soccer while growing up in Kitchener, Ont., before joining TFC’s youth academy in 2015. He slowly worked his way up the system and represented the academy across all age groups before making his debut for TFC 2 as a 19-year-old in 2022 while still a member of the youth program. He ended up playing in 15 regular season and playoff games that year.  

He signed his first professional contact with the Young Reds in March, 2023 and went on to establish himself as a key starter under coach Gianni Cimini in MLS NEXT Pro. Over the last two years, the young midfielder has scored six goals and added six assists in 44 appearances (38 starts). He was among TFC 2’s leaders in minutes played during that time and registered a team-high five assists in 2023.  

Cimermancic previously signed four short-term deals with Toronto FC but had yet to make his senior team debut.

The industrious midfielder spent time with the first team during training camp in Spain and Florida ahead of the 2025 season and impressed new coach Robin Fraser with his form

“He's definitely one that we're keeping a very close eye on because I do think that he's going to offer us something,” Fraser said earlier this month.  

The young midfielder’s athleticism is one of the things that caught Fraser’s attention during pre-season camp.   

“He's done really well. I think his ability; his aerobic capacity is incredible. He’s a type of player who can run all day, and that alone gives you somewhat of an advantage,” Fraser enthused.  

“But outside of that, he's really adapted to what's being asked of him in a couple of different positions and wherever he's been, he's made an impact. He's been able to score a few goals with really well-timed runs and executing well in front of the goal.”  

Toronto isn’t exactly lacking in central midfielders. Captain Jonathan Osorio will once again lead a midfield group that includes fellow Canadian Kosi Thompson, Honduran international Deybi Flores, Alonso Coello, and Matty Longstaff. Derrick Etienne Jr. is another option. 

But Cimermanic is a solid roster addition who'll help the club in its quest to become younger and more athletic.

Toronto-based writer James Grossi is the foremost authority on TFC 2, having covered the team in an in-depth fashion for several years. Grossi saw Cimermancic take a step forward in his development with the Young Reds in 2024, and he also believes the young midfielder could offer the Reds a bit of versatility in the middle of the park this season.  

“Dynamism, a bit of size, some range and versatility – Fraser himself mentioned his engine – and Marcus is a very tidy passer with an eye for a through-ball. He can be one of those guys that plays simple, gives his time on the ball to teammates further afield, but is always in a position to provide an option for a teammate under pressure,” Grossi said.

(Top photo courtesy of Lucas Kschischang/Toronto FC)

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