Canada World Cup star Jonathan Osorio ‘targets move to England in January’ after Toronto FC record

Jonathan Osorio wants to trade MLS side Toronto FC for a shot at the English game after representing Canada at the World Cup.

The 30-year-old midfielder has become an icon for his club, playing 318 games for the Reds since joining them in 2013, making him their record appearance holder.

However, with his contract expired following the end of their season, he’s considering a number of options around the world – and he’s hoping that impressing with his national side in Qatar will lead to offers pouring in.

Jonathan Osorio is hoping a strong performance for Canada will create future career offers

Osorio has signed up with Matt Higgins, an American-based English agent, in a bid to test the market, with interest apparently from EFL clubs, as well as elsewhere around the globe, as reported by The Sun.

While it is not known which clubs could be interested in signing Osario, in 2013, he spent his off-season training with Huddersfield Town, and German side Werder Bremen.

Speaking in October, Osario said nothing was decided about his future. He told Canada’s Sportsnet: ‘Everything’s an option at this point. 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 dreamt about it. It’s about now I think I’m at the point of my career where it has to be the right move.’

Osorio holds the record for most Toronto FC games, but his contract expired after the season

Osorio has scored 57 goals and assisted 34 more in his nine years with Toronto, who finished 13th in the MLS Eastern Conference last season.

He has also become an important part of Canada’s national squad under head coach John Herdman, which has qualified for the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1986.

The Maple Leafs topped the CONCACAF’s final group stage for qualification, coming in ahead of Mexico and the United States. Osorio even scored a memorable goal for Canada as they held Mexico to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Azteca in October last year, the first time the national team has scored at the stadium since 1980.

Canada’s World Cup campaign sees them in Group F alongside 2018 beaten finalists Croatia, high-fliers Belgium, who finished third four years ago, and African side Morocco.

The midfielder is a key part of the first Canada men’s team to make the World Cup since 1986