This has been a poorly kept secret in TFC media circles over the last week, but it broke open today after fans in Edmonton started to talk about the move on social media.
TFC and Boakai’s agent (via Steve Sandor) have both denied that the move is done, but neither outright denied talks have occurred.
Sources in Edmonton and Toronto confirm that Boakai is on TFC’s discovery list.
It’s been long thought that Boakai would prefer to move to Europe and that MLS was low on his priority list. However, it’s become clear that his European options were limited due to likely difficulties in obtaining a work permit.
It’s more likely he could obtain a work permit after completing a successful stint in MLS. So, the option may appear more palatable to Boakai’s camp now.
The move does make sense for TFC. They are in need of skill on the flanks and Boatai can provide that. There are questions about his defensive commitment, but he’s a low risk, domestic option that would not cost a great deal on the cap. He would arrive in MLS on a free transfer.
According to an Edmonton source, the only hold up now remains a desire of the Boakai camp to take one last look at European possibilities before committing to Toronto.
It’s unlikely there will be any confirmation on this potential move prior to the end of the MLS playoffs.
While we wait, his mixed tape: