Bernardeschi, Insigne not a fix for all that ails Toronto FC

Real Sports bar and restaurant is where Toronto FC has introduced some of its biggest signings, establishing itself as an important landmark in the history of the MLS franchise.

It was at the downtown establishment in early 2014 when TFC unveiled Jermain Defoe and Michael Bradley as its newest Designated Players in a lavish ceremony in front of fans and media, fuelling hope that the struggling franchise was about to turn the corner after years of under-achievement.

A double-decker bus was parked outside with the phrase “Bloody Big Deal" emblazoned on the side of it, while both Sportsnet and TSN broke into their regularly scheduled programming to provide live coverage of the news conference.

Fast forward to Monday when the Reds returned to Real Sports to formally introduce Federico Bernardeschi as its latest DP player. The symmetry of the two press conferences was not lost on those who attended both events: TFC is very much in the same position it was eight years ago, spending big in hopes they can soon put their troubles on the pitch behind them.