Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced the acquisition of Italian goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi on Tuesday. The deal is subject to receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and Canadian work permit and visa, but neither is expected to hold up the deal.
"Paolo is a goalkeeper with great size, MLS experience, and a fantastic upbringing within the Inter Milan youth system," said manager Carl Robinson. "I brought him in because I want to have three good goalkeepers on the roster, and I expect him to push David Ousted and the already talented pool of goalkeepers that we have."
The use of the word pool is an interesting one, as Simon Thomas returns as a trialist, while Marco Carducci and Nolan Wirth are looking to make the jump from the residency.
Carducci in particular has been promised that no matter what happens, he will be able to train with the senior squad throughout the 2014 season, and goalkeeper coach Marius Røvde indicated to us that he expects to work with four keepers again this year.
Tornaghi, 25, joins the Whitecaps on a Bosmon free transfer after spending the last two seasons with Chicago Fire SC. In all, he played 12 times for the men in red, including last year’s 3-1 loss to the Caps at BC Place.
A permanent resident of the United States, Tornaghi becomes the Whitecaps 10th international player currently under contract who holds domestic status through permanent residency or dual citizenship.
Paolo Tornaghi and Shaun Francis defend at BC Place on 14 July 2013.
The club have another 10 internationals on the books, and 11 international slots. Another South American attacking midfielder would not look out of place.
The 6-foot-2, 165-pound goalkeeper amassed a lifetime record of three wins, three draws, and six losses for the Fire. Some highlights include a 1-1 draw with Montreal in front of 58,912-strong crowd, a clean sheet against the visiting Philadelphia Union, and a pair of international friendlies against Santos Laguna MR and Aston Villa FC.
Prior to joining the Fire in 2012, Tornaghi spent more than a decade in the Inter Milan system, being named to their UEFA Champions League squad B list (U21 club youth products) in 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08.