Toronto FC are finalizing a deal to permanently acquire Brazilian right back Auro according to a source. The source also told MLSsoccer.com that it is unlikely Ager Aketxe will return TFC in 2019, with the club working through loan and transfer options for the midfielder to remain in Spain.
Auro, 22, was acquired by TFC in February on a season-long loan from Sao Paulo. The former Brazil youth international recorded five assists in 26 appearances in MLS and Concacaf Champions League play in 2018.
Signed in February from La Liga club Athletic Bilbao in the biggest move of TFC’s offseason, Aketxe did not have a happy stint in Toronto. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder recorded just one assist in 14 appearances in MLS and CCL play before he was sent in July on a six-month loan to Cadiz, where he has one goal and two assists in 12 La Liga 2 appearances.
The source said that TFC will likely continue to have to pay a portion of Aketxe’s salary should he remain in Spain – he made $1.295 million in 2018, according to the MLS Players Association.
