Reds “think” they can hang on to young Ayo Akinola, a 17-year-old standout with the U.S. youth national team who has spent time with TFC II. The Toronto FC Academy product most recently showed face in the Netherlands, where he trained with PSV Eindhoven, worrying some Toronto locals that the promising, Detroit-born striker from Scarborough, Ont. could look to head overseas.
“We think he’s a guy who’s going to be with us long-term,” TFC coach Greg Vanney told the Toronto Sun this week. “Coming out of the (youth) World Cup he had an opportunity to train with PSV. During this time period we’ve been discussing where he fits with us, a progressing discussion.
“We’re optimistic and hopeful that here very soon we’ll solidify his future with TFC and start the process of developing him more and integrating him into the professional side of things.”