Toronto FC's Jonathan Osorio aiming to move to England after World Cup

We recently wrote about the uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Osorio's future in Southern Ontario. If the latest reports are any indication, it now seems his time with Toronto FC is all but over.

Per Samuel Draper of the Daily Mail, Osorio is targeting a move to England in January, and there are apparently several English Football League clubs interested in offering him a contract.

Draper writes that the 30-year-old has signed with Matt Higgins, who is an English agent based in North America. The preference is to play in England, but the midfielder has long dreamed of playing in Europe and would consider other countries.

A good showing at the World Cup will undoubtedly improve Osorio's stock. He is an integral part of Canada's starting lineup and with 56 caps (along with seven goals), he is fast closing in on the top 10 for all-time appearances with the national team.

Toronto FC's all-time appearance leader Jonathan Osorio is reportedly looking to move to England in January, with several EFL teams apparently interested in signing him.

Per Jonathan Sigal of mlssoccer.com, Osorio discussed his future last month. He said:

"Should a good opportunity present itself overseas, if it’s the best option, then I will take it. For me, it’s about taking the best option. It’s not about going to Europe because I dreamed about it. Now I think I’m at the point of my career where it has to be the right move for me playing-wise and for my career and for the future of where I stand and the national team and things like that. There’s a lot of factors that will be going into my decision at the end of the year."

Despite Osorio being more diplomatic at the time, his ambitions mean Toronto FC supporters need to be prepared to say goodbye. He would be a big loss for the Reds, who are looking to bounce back from two consecutive years of missing the playoffs.

The Toronto, Ontario native is TFC's all-time appearance leader and third on their franchise scoring charts. He was part of the 2017 side which won the domestic treble, and was arguably their best player this past season.

The issue of money

Toronto FC have said they will do everything feasible to re-sign Osorio. However, one final factor which goes against them is what they can offer as financial compensation.

As we previously wrote, the assumption is TFC will offer Osorio the Targeted Allocation Money maximum of around $1.65m (US) in 2023. Clubs in England and beyond can offer more, plus Toronto will likely look elsewhere to fill their final Designated Player spot.

We've predicted before that Osorio will be playing in Europe next year, but would have no problem in being proved wrong. However, it now seems more certain than ever that his time with Toronto FC is coming to an end.

Have you already decided Osorio will be playing elsewhere next year? Or do you believe there is still a good chance he will return to Toronto FC in 2023. Let us know in the comments section below.