Toronto FC signs former Barcelona midfielder Victor Vazquez

Toronto FC announced Monday the club has signed Spanish midfielder Victor Vazquez, penning the former Cruz Azul, Club Brugge, and Barcelona attacker using Targeted Allocation Money.

The 30-year-old came through Barcelona's fabled youth system and joined the first team in the 2007-08 season. He scored his first goal for the Blaugrana against Rubin Kazan in the Champions League in 2010.

"We are excited to bring Victor Vazquez to Toronto FC and provide our team with another experienced midfielder," club general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in an issued statement.

"Victor developed in the Barcelona youth system which is recognized worldwide. He is a creative player with experience playing in an attacking midfield role but also centrally which gives us flexibility in our system. He will be a welcomed addition to our club."

While a start at Barcelona is promising for a player's career, Vazquez really made his name in Belgium with Club Brugge, where he played for four seasons, making 173 appearances, scoring 25 goals, and recording 50 assists. His standout 2014-15 season also saw him named the Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year.

Vazquez joined Cruz Azul in 2015 and now heads to Major League Soccer, where he is expected to feature in a midfield alongside Michael Bradley and likely one of Jonathan Osorio, Benoit Cheyrou, or Armando Cooper.