Toronto FC announced today that the club has acquired Ghanaian midfielder Latif Blessing from New England Revolution and a 2023 international roster slot in exchange for midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye. Blessing will be added to the roster pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
“We are happy to welcome Latif to our club. His versatility and tireless work rate will be a welcomed addition to our group,” said Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez. “He not only brings a winning mentality, but a selfless approach to the game, and we are looking forward to integrating him into our team. We also want to thank Mark-Anthony for his work and commitment to our club during his tenure. He always gave his heart for the team, regardless of the circumstance. We wish him all the best in New England.”
Blessing, 26, was in his first season with New England Revolution, where he made 16 appearances (MLS Regular Season and U.S. Open Cup) since joining in January 2023. Prior to his short spell with The Revs, the midfielder spent five seasons (2018-2022) with Los Angeles FC (LAFC), where he made a combined 167 appearances across all competitions and won two Supporters’ Shield titles (2019, 2022) and one MLS Cup (2022). In his second year with LAFC (2019), Blessing set career-highs in regular season games (34), goals (6), and assists (6) as he helped the Black & Gold win their first Supporters’ Shield title. Blessing was one of the first players in LAFC history when he was acquired from Sporting Kansas City via the 2017 MLS Expansion Draft.
At Sporting Kansas City, the native of Accra, Ghana, made 31 appearances and registered six goals during the 2017 MLS season. In the same season, Blessing won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title, scoring three goals in five appearances.
Kaye, 28, was in his second season with Toronto FC, where he made a combined 30 appearances (MLS Regular Season and Canadian Championship) since joining the Reds on July 8, 2022.
TRANSACTION: Toronto FC acquired midfielder Latif Blessing and a 2023 international roster slot from New England Revolution in exchange for midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye on July 13, 2023.
LATIF BLESSING
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 141 lbs.
Birthdate: December 30, 1996 (Age – 26)
Birthplace: Accra, Ghana
Nationality: Ghanaian
Previous Club: New England Revolution
