Toronto FC II announced today that the club has signed midfielders Hassan Ayari and Charlie Staniland to its MLS NEXT Pro roster. The pair will be added to the club’s roster pending league and federation approval along with the receipt of the International Transfer Certificates (ITC).
“Hassan and Charlie are both welcome additions to our midfield and MLS NEXT Pro roster,” said Toronto FC II Head Coach Gianni Cimini. “Hassan will add a creative threat in our front line and bring quality in the final action operating from the half-space. Charlie, meanwhile, can dictate the tempo of the game with his technical qualities and spatial awareness. He is also able to effectively cover central areas defensively as he reads the game very well.”
Ayari, 21, and Staniland, 19, join Toronto FC II following trials with the Club in 2024. Prior to the Young Reds, Ayari joined the Sheffield United Academy in 2019 and represented the Blades at the U18, U21 and U23 levels in Premier League Professional Development League (PDL), Premier League Cup and FA Youth Cup action. The New York City-born attacking midfielder made his U18 debut against Barnsley on October 26, 2019, and scored his first goal against Leeds United on January 18, 2020. He also spent time on loan with Scarborough Athletic FC in 2022, making four appearances during the National League North season. Internationally, Ayari has represented Tunisia at the youth level, recording a goal and an assist through eight appearances for the Tunisian Under-20 team, including his debut against Algeria in a U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on December 15, 2020.
Staniland originally joined the Sheffield United Academy in 2012 and progressed through the youth ranks to also represent the Blades at the U18, U21 and U23 levels in Premier League Professional Development League, Premier League Cup and FA Youth Cup action. The Sheffield, England native made his U18 debut against Queens Park Rangers on May 4, 2021, and scored his first goal against Birmingham City on October 22, 2022. During the 2021-2022 season, the central midfielder helped Sheffield United’s U18 team complete a 23-game unbeaten Professional Development League campaign before registering the game-winning assist to help the Blades win the U18 PDL National title against Charlton Athletic on May 21, 2022. Staniland also helped the Blades’ U21 team become PDL North Champions at the end of the 2022-2023 season.
TRANSACTION: Toronto FC II sign midfielders Hassan Ayari and Charlie Staniland to MLS NEXT Pro contracts.
HASSAN AYARI
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 163 lbs.
Birthdate: December 8, 2002 (Age – 21)
Birthplace: New York City, New York
Nationality: American-Tunisian
Previous Club: Sheffield United FC
CHARLIE STANILAND
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 154 lbs.
Birthdate: November 12, 2004 (Age – 19)
Birthplace: Sheffield, England
Nationality: English
Previous Club: Sheffield United FC