February 24, 2024
The Toronto FC Soccer Team announces the signing of new Irish defender Kevin Long, 33, from Birmingham City
Toronto FC officially welcomed defender Kevin Long to the roster on Tuesday, following his completed transfer from English League side Birmingham City.
Waking The Red published a report from Birmingham Live, which was confirmed by MLS insiders Josh Kloke and Tom Bogert of The Athletic, that TFC were eyeing the 33-year-old.
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“We are delighted to welcome Kevin to the Toronto FC family,” Toronto FC head coach John Herdman said in a club statement on Tuesday. “Kevin’s experience will be a welcome addition to TFC’s defensive line. He is here to help rebuild the club and is hungry for success.”
The Irish centre-back has signed a one-year contract with the Reds, with the option to extend his contract until 2025 depending on medical clearance and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
During his time at Birmingham City, Long made a total of 40 appearances, scoring two goals and securing nine clean sheets in two seasons. The Blues didn’t have many of them under Wayne Rooney.
Prior to his time at Birmingham, Long spent 14 seasons at Burnley FC, where he played 91 games and contributed four goals and six assists. He went out on loan six times during that period.
Long’s career began with his hometown club Cork City, before making his mark on English football.
Long earned 17 caps for Ireland and scored his first international goal in a friendly against Bulgaria in 2019.
He will now be the fifth senior centre-back on TFC’s books, joining Shane O’Neill, Aimé Mabika, Sigurd Rosted and Luke Singh.
While TFC have also recently been linked with a move for South African defender Thabo Moloisane, Herdman will rely on Long’s experience and defensive prowess because after conceding an Eastern Conference-worst 59 goals in 2023, TFC It simply cannot afford to be so porous.
Let’s hope that these changes favor the Toronto FC team.
Because what was last year the team did not show what the team’s fans really wanted to see.
Report by María Ocampo
