Trade: Hunter Freeman To Toronto

In what has to be considered one of the more-complicated MLS trades in recent memory, Toronto FC has acquired defender Hunter Freeman from the New York Red Bulls until the end of the next season in exchange for third- and fourth-round draft picks in the 2009 MLS Supplemental Draft, a move club officials announced on Friday.It’s not so bizarre that Toronto would want to add Freeman, a solid 23-year-old defender who has featured on the United States Men’s National Team at various youth levels. What makes the deal fascinating is that Freeman has already signed a pre-contract with IK Start of Norway and will report to the club beginning in January of next year.

Note: IK Start is the same club that former FC Dallas defender Clarence Goodson left MLS for in January of this year.

As part of the deal, if Freeman returns from Norway to play in for TFC at any point in 2009, Toronto must also give New York a 2nd-round pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. At the end of next year, Freeman’s rights will revert back to New York, who will have the first option to sign him to a new contract or trade his rights beginning in 2010.

“We’re very happy to have him join us,” said TFC director of soccer Mo Johnston in a statement. “He’s a talented and versatile player that can play in numerous positions. We are aware that his plan is to play in Europe next season, but he will provide great cover for us as we push toward the playoffs.”

Freeman has split his four MLS seasons between the Colorado Rapids and Red Bulls, making 77 appearances over that span. He started in both of New York’s playoff games last season and was also a member of the US U-23 squad as they successfully qualified for the Olympics earlier this year.