Toronto FC set to acquire Emilio Aristizábal on Loan

Colombian youth International Emilio Aristizábal is set to join Toronto FC on a loan deal. According to mutiple reports from Cesar Luis Merlo and Tom Bogert, the Atlético Nacional forward's move to MLS is immenent.

🇨🇴🔴 Sources: Toronto FC is finalizing a deal to sign Colombian youth int'l Emilio Aristizábal from Atletico Nacional. @CLMerlo 1st reported.

Deal is a loan with option to buy.

Aristizábal, 20, already has 12 first team goals. Featured for Colombia at U-20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/qBUO9X9Ghq
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) February 6, 2026

The 20-year old Aristizábal joined Athletico Nacional in 2023 and saw limited minutes for the first two years with the club. He was loaned out to Primera A side Fortaleza FC in 2025, where he scored 12 goals in 36 appearances. His loan was recalled in January 2026 in anticipation of the start of the Primera A Apertura. Aristizábal made five appearances and one start for Colombia at U-20 World Cup.

Son of Colombian legend Víctor Hugo Aristizábal, Emilio Aristizábal started his career as a winger and made the transition as a striker. At just 20 years old he is 6'2" and fits the role of target man in the middle of the attack. He he offers a blend of physical power and technical finesse inside the 18 yard box. The acquisition is seen as a strategic leap for both the player and the club. For Toronto FC, Aristizábal provides an immediate offensive option with a high ceiling. For Atlético Nacional, the loan serves as a platform to further increase the market value while testing him in a competitive North American league.

Aristizábal will arrive in Toronto competing for minutes with Deandre Kerr and Jules Anthony-Vilsaint at the top of the formation. The hope is that a new, young striker can link up with a revitalized midfield featuring Djordje Mihailovic and Jose Cifuentes. TFC has been looking to sign attacking players in the offseason and Aristizábal is seen as a depth signing at forward and not a long-term solution. With the rumoured deal to sign Norwich forward Josh Sargent failing to materialize, TFC GM Jason Hernandez is looking further afield to bolster roster depth.

Aristizábal is expected to travel for medical examinations in the coming days as the final paperwork is completed. His arrival coincides with a broader influx of Colombian talent into MLS, potentially setting up a high-profile showdown with compatriot James Rodríguez, who recently joined Minnesota.