Toronto FC has confirmed the signing of Scottish youth international defender Tony Gallacher on loan from Liverpool for the remainder of the 2020 season.
The 21-year-old from Glasgow has made 32 appearances for Liverpool’s under-23 team, with two goals and one assist over two seasons.
“Tony is a young, promising defender that will provide us with additional depth on our backline for the remainder of the year,” Toronto GM Ali Curtis said in a statement Monday. “We feel his character and personality will fit well within our group.”
Toronto said the 21-year-old left back already has his work visa and has completed the necessary COVID-19 quarantine period in Canada.
The young Scot who has also played right back and centre back for the Liverpool under-23 side, has pace and can deliver a cross. Barcelona and Manchester United reportedly were interested in him in the past.
Liverpool acquired the left back in January 2018 from Scotland’s Falkirk for a reported fee of 200,000 pounds ($337,350). He made his senior debut for the Scottish Championship club in November 2015 at the age of 16, becoming a first-team regular at 18 with 26 appearances for the club.
A member of Liverpool’s development squad, the five-foot-10 156-pounder made his senior debut for the Reds against at Aston Villa last December in the League Cup.
English champion Liverpool is brimming with talent at the fullback position with 26-year-old Scottish international Andy Robertson on the left and 21-year-old English international Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right.
Waiting in the Liverpool wings are Welsh international Neco Williams, Greece international Kostas Tsimikas and Dutch youth international Ki-Jana Hoever.
Gallacher will provide cover for veteran TFC fullback Justin Morrow. Canadian Richie Laryea, who had been battling Brazil’s Auro Jr. for the right fullback position, has been covering for Morrow on the left when needed.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 14, 2020.
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Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
