CanMNT star Richie Laryea completes Toronto FC homecoming with loan through June of 2023

Continuing a big summer of moves for Toronto FC, another familiar face returned home this week.

After speculation emerged on Thursday that he might return on loan to MLS, it became official on Friday, as Richie Laryea was loaned back to Toronto FC through June of 2023.

Just months after he left Toronto for England, where he joined the then-Championship side, Nottingham Forest, for a reported fee of around $1,000,000, he is back in MLS with his longtime side, who are more than excited to have him back.

Able to play both full back positions, he bolsters a TFC defence in need of experience, and in Laryea, they get someone who was one of the best in MLS when he departed.

"Richie's experienced as a right or left back," Bob Bradley told reporters on Thursday. "He has a really good ability to come forward. Defensively he's grown in so many ways with his different experiences. Very well-liked and respected inside the club – that part I think fits really well with everything we've been trying to do.

He's baaaaaaaaack 🇨🇦@RichieLaryea_ | #TFCLive

— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) August 5, 2022

TFC had to jump through some hoops to complete the deal, however, as Laryea's return wasn't so straightforward due to his departure from the league, which meant that any return to MLS had to see him pass through the Allocation Order.

Because of that, to secure his signing, TFC first had to pawn off $225,000 in GAM to FC Dallas to get the second spot in the Allocation Order, before then sending $125,000 in GAM (plus more in incentives) to FC Cincinnati to get the first spot.

From there, however, the rest was straightforward, with Laryea already agreeing to the loan move, one that reportedly doesn't include a buy option, althought TFC reporter Michael Singh did also note that there could be a possibility to make the move permanent if certain conditions occur.

“It’s great to bring Richie back to the club,” Bradley added in a statement Friday. “As everyone knows by now, Richie established himself as one of the best outside backs in the league. He’s a dynamic player, a fantastic dribbler, and a real competitor. To have Richie back in his hometown to play for TFC ahead of Canada’s trip to the World Cup is exciting.”

Now, that leaves both teams with a big couple of months ahead, as they look to make the most of their reunion, with just 11 games remaining in the regular season for TFC. 

For Laryea, the main goal will be to play and get minutes, as he looks to get as fit as possible ahead of the CanMNT’s journey at the 2022 men’s World Cup later this year, before starting strong in 2023 ahead of a potential return to England. 

Meanwhile, for TFC, getting to the playoffs is the main goal with this move, having put together one of the best starting XIs in the league with their summer signings, something that they’ll now want to prove with a push back to the playoffs. It’s a tall ask, as they currently sit six points below the line, but with a whole host of six-point games, a hot run can get them there. 

But in Laryea, they’ve brought in the final piece that can help them do just that, which should make for a fun few months over in Toronto, as they look to accelerate their rebuild in style now here. 

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to be back with TFC and play in front of our fans at BMO Field,” Laryea added in the release. “I know it’s an important time for the club as we push for the playoffs, and I want to help the team achieve success.”