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Toronto FC bolsters midfield with Ager Aketxe capture

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Toronto FC acquired Ager Aketxe using Targeted Allocation Money on Friday after he was allowed to leave Athletic Club.

He will be added to the MLS Cup holder's roster upon receipt of his transfer certificate and work permit.

"Ager is a talented midfielder, that developed at an historic club, in one of the top leagues in the world," said senior vice-president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko. "Ager has both the ability to create as well as finish. He possesses a tremendous work rate along with a great attitude. We are very excited to bring him to Toronto FC and have no doubt he will be a welcomed addition to our club."

Aketxe joined Athletic, the proudly Basque club of his hometown Bilbao, at the age of 10, and was promoted to the first-team fold in 2014. He made his professional debut in September of that year against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, and has won international recognition in Spain's Under-20 side.

The 24-year-old made 12 appearances across all competitions for Athletic this season, but none since December. He will strengthen a fearsome midfield in Toronto, highlighted by Michael Bradley as its anchor and Victor Vazquez playing forensic passes behind Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore.

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