TFC and de Guzman deal done -- sort of

TFC and representatives for Julian de Guzman have reached an agreement that will see the La Liga standout return home to play for TFC. All that is needed now to complete the deal is de Guzman's signature on the contract.

According to sources, the deal would see de Guzman make as much as $7 million a year for two years, with a third year player option. The contract would be structured so that de Guzman's play on the pitch would go a long way to determining just how close he is to making the full amount (i.e. there will be a great deal of performance bonuses tied in).

A player directed opt-out clause will be included if de Guzman receives a credible offer from Europe.

As stated, it's in de Guzman's hands now. The player is said to still be hoping for a European offer, but there currently isn't anything on the table. "It's just been words" one source said of de Guzman's interactions with European clubs to this point.

However, de Guzman's people are hoping that he can impress during the Gold Cup and attract a firm offer from Europe. It's understood that he cannot receive a monetary offer anywhere close the what TFC has put on the table, but that something comparable in terms of size of club and de Guzman's role at the club would entice him to stay.

His stock took a hit last year after Depor buried him on the bench -- mostly as a retaliation to de Guzman speaking out about not being paid by the Spanish club. As such he needs a big Gold Cup to get back into the minds of European clubs.

TFC director of soccer Mo Johnston told de Guzman that he must make a decision at the conclusion of Canada's run at the Gold Cup (which looks like it will go to at least the quarterfinals as Canada ran its record to 2-0 last night)

Representatives for de Guzman are currently shopping him around very aggressively. The player is said to want closure. If there isn't something firm by the end of the Gold Cup he will be signing for TFC by month's end.

Not everyone I spoke to thinks signing de Guzman is the best move for TFC. One source suggested that the huge contract – seen by most as being out of touch to the player’s true worth – could cause problems in the TFC room.

“Julian making 10, 20 times what De Rosario is? That’s not going to sit well with DeRo’s people.”