Toronto FC general manager rules out Osorio loan move

Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko has poured cold water on rumors that Jonathan Osorio could leave the club on loan this winter.

Osorio, undoubtedly one of the bright spots in an underwhelming Reds season in 2018, was linked last week with a move to Colombia's Independiente Medellin, now managed by his former Canada boss Octavio Zambrano.

However, Bezbatchenko said Wednesday that the idea of letting the 26-year-old leave Toronto is not one that will be entertained.

"Loaning him out, it's not something we'd consider doing," he told Sportsnet's John Molinaro.

In a dismal campaign for the defending MLS Cup champions, Osorio contributed 17 goals and seven assists in 43 games across all competitions. Both tallies represent the highest single-season totals of his career.

The suggested move to Medellin makes sense. Osorio's parents both hail from Colombia and Zambrano was a big fan of the Brampton native at the national level. However, it appears the Reds hierarchy has no inclination to grant a temporary exit to the midfielder whose form certainly puts him on a par with Designated Players Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore, and Michael Bradley.

Also asked about the future of that star trio, Bezbatchenko added: "They all have one more year on their contracts, and I fully expect them to be back and competing and playing at the level that we know that they can compete at."