Toronto FC promotes Richard Chukwu to first team, signs defender to long-term MLS contract

Toronto FC have signed Richard Chukwu to a first team contract through the 2029-30 MLS season with a club option for 2030-31. The 18-year-old defender is the 38th player in club history to sign for the first from the Toronto FC Academy, and the second to do so this season after Stefan Kapor. Chukwu originally joined the Toronto FC Academy in January 2020, working his way through the U-15, U-17 and U-19 age groups. He only signed his first professional contract with Toronto FC II in April, before now signing a first team deal that seemed inevitable given his incredibly…