Best is yet to come from Djordje Mihailovic at Toronto FC
The new DP impressed after being traded to TFC, raising hopes of what he can do in 2026 with a full pre-season under his belt.
It’s still far too early to tell whether or not the millions that Toronto FC splashed out to get Djordje Mihailovic was truly money well spent. But so far, the early dividends on TFC’s investment are very promising.
Looking to replenish Toronto’s empty DP cupboard following the Canada Day exits of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, GM Jason Hernandez looked westward and procured Mihailovic from the Colorado Rapids in a cash-for-player trade on Aug. 7. MLS’ biggest blockbuster deal of the summer saw the Reds spend $8 million US up front, plus another $1 million if certain performance-based metrics were achieved, to bring Mihailovic to TFC in hopes that he could give them a much-needed offensive spark.
To his credit, Mihailovic, a 27-year-old from Florida, hit the ground running following the trade, needing very little time to embed himself and make an impact with his new club. The new DP’s debut was marked by an assist on Deandre Kerr’s injury time goal that allowed Toronto to earn a draw away to the Philadelphia Union on Aug. 9. By the time the campaign was over, Mihailovic amassed four goals and four assists in just 10 appearances, finishing tied with Theo Corbeanu and the departed Bernardeschi for the most goal contributions this season.
That was just the appetizer, a small sample size of what he can offer. The main course is still to come. With a full off-season and pre-season ahead of him, Mihailovic expects more from himself during his first full campaign with the Reds in 2026.
