Toronto FC have two Designated Player spots to fill and reportedly have put an offer on the table for one of Burnley’s Premier League promotion stars.
Just one week removed from their expensive divorce from Italian superstar DP’s Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, Toronto FC have reportedly made a bold bid to sign midfielder Josh Brownhill, following the expiration of his deal at newly promoted English Premier League side Burnley.
According to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, TFC submitted a £20 million (USD 27.25 million, CAD $37.23 million) offer for the 29-year-old. TFC executives reportedly flew to England to present their long-term project to Brownhill in person, underlining the seriousness of their new money pursuit.
Brownhill was Burnley’s captain and talisman, and was instrumental in the club’s return to the Premier League this spring. He finished as the Clarets’ top scorer with 18 goals in the Championship — second in the league behind only Swansea’s Joel Piroe — and contributed six assists, ending the campaign with 24 goal involvements in 44 matches. His form has unsurprisingly attracted interest from multiple quarters, including Premier League sides Everton and West Ham, as well as clubs in Italy, Germany, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
Related Read: How should Toronto FC supporters remember the Insigne/Bernardeschi era?
Toronto FC believe they have a unique opportunity to secure a player in his prime who can transform their midfield, writes Bailey. With two Designated Player slots available after the high-profile but underwhelming stints of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, the Reds are intent on resetting their approach by targeting proven, hard-working leaders.
Burnley manager Scott Parker is still hopeful of convincing Brownhill to stay at Turf Moor, especially with Premier League football returning to the club.
“This is a guy that brings solid traits,” Parker said of his promotion hero. “He’s an unbelievable professional, he’s been a main driver of what we tried to create in the changing room. He’s a true leader and a major part of why we’ve done what we’ve done.”
However, Brownhill has yet to make a final decision on his future. While Parker is pushing hard for the midfielder to re-sign, the expiration of his contract on June 30 means he is currently a free agent and free to negotiate with any club.
A former Manchester United youth product, Brownhill joined Burnley in 2020 and has been a key figure over the past five seasons. His time at Turf Moor has seen both highs and lows—he was part of the Vincent Kompany-led side that was relegated in 2024 and also featured under Sean Dyche in their 2022 relegation. Still, his leadership and on-field consistency have made him one of the most respected midfielders in the Championship.
Toronto’s aggressive pursuit could be a signal of intent for the next phase of the club’s development. Whether Brownhill chooses to stay in England or take his talents to Canada remains to be seen, but the MLS side have certainly placed themselves firmly in the race.