Toronto FC Shocked: Ola Brynhildsen’s #9 Transfer Sparks Citywide Panic — Is Your Jersey Still Safe?
Now, there’s a real number nine to keep your eyes on at BMO Field. Ola Brynhildsen leads Toronto FC’s attack as the club’s new forward, wearing the number 9 shirt and carrying the weight of turning chances into goals.
At 26, the Norwegian international comes in from FC Midtjylland on loan. He brings experience from Norway’s Eliteserien and the Danish Superliga.
He’s already lifted league titles in Norway with Molde and in Denmark with Midtjylland. Now, he steps into MLS at a time when Toronto FC really needed a striker.
His move follows Prince Owusu’s departure and signals a pretty clear shift in how this team wants to attack.
Brynhildsen grew up in Bærum and came through Stabæk before making a name for himself at Molde. He didn’t play college soccer in the US, but his European background gives you plenty to watch.
He’s got four senior caps for Norway and plays with a direct, relentless style. Toronto now gets a proven option up front and a shot at shaking up games from the opening whistle.
For a club that hasn’t seen the playoffs since 2020, his arrival feels like it could be a turning point.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2023 | Molde FK | 118 | 38 | 17 |
| 2023-2025 | FC Midtjylland | 54 | 14 | 6 |
| 2025 | Toronto FC (loan) | Ongoing | — | — |
Read on for more about his journey, his style, and what he brings to Toronto FC.
Contents
Ola Brynhildsen at Toronto FC
Toronto FC now has a proven Norwegian forward leading the line in the 2025 MLS season. His arrival brings balance to the roster, a proper number 9, and a lot of attention on how he’ll fit under head coach Robin Fraser.
Transfer Details and Contract
Toronto FC brought in Ola Brynhildsen on loan from Danish club FC Midtjylland in early 2025. The deal runs through December, with an option to buy if things go well.
General manager Jason Hernandez used Targeted Allocation Money to get the deal done. That move let the club strengthen the roster without bending salary rules.
After losing Prince Owusu to CF Montréal, this was a big step.
Brynhildsen came up at Stabæk and starred at Molde FK before joining Midtjylland in 2023. He scored eight goals in 38 games for the Danish club.
A short loan back to Molde in late 2024 saw him rediscover his scoring touch, netting 10 goals in just 11 matches.
He’s 26, right in his prime. Toronto’s choice to structure the deal as a loan with purchase rights shows they want to see the fit before making a long-term call.
Role as Forward #9
Brynhildsen steps in as the focus of Toronto’s attack, taking over the number 9 shirt. He replaces Owusu, who led the team in goals last year, and fills a big gap at center forward.
His game is direct, built on sharp movement off the ball and quick finishing inside the box. That pairs nicely with Federico Bernardeschi’s creativity on the wing and Lorenzo Insigne’s knack for cutting inside.
Toronto FC struggled to find goals in 2024 outside of Owusu and Bernardeschi. With Brynhildsen leading the line, the team hopes not to lean so heavily on the wide players.
Robin Fraser wants his forwards to press and link up play. Brynhildsen fits that mold.
Career Totals Before MLS
| Club | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stabæk | 65 | 16 | 7 |
| Molde FK | 153 | 50 | 24 |
| Midtjylland | 38 | 8 | 2 |
First Impressions and Early Training
Brynhildsen joined Toronto FC’s preseason camp in Florida not long after signing. Early reports pointed out his sharp finishing and his willingness to press defenders.
He seems to adapt quickly to new environments. Playing in both Norway and Denmark gave him experience in physical and tactical leagues, which should help him adjust to MLS.
Teammates mention his professionalism and fitness. At 5-foot-9 and 154 pounds, he depends more on quickness and positioning than size.
That’s the kind of forward Toronto has missed since Jozy Altidore left.
The coaching staff sees his integration as key. If he connects well with Bernardeschi and Insigne, Toronto FC might finally have a balanced front three to carry them through the 2025 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ola Brynhildsen plays with a direct, aggressive approach. He depends on darting runs behind defenders, good timing, and strong finishing.
For Toronto FC, his role relies on teammates spotting his runs and feeding him at the right moments. His physical strength and relentless work rate round out his game.
Attacking Attributes
You really see Brynhildsen’s strengths when he runs into open space. He’s got a knack for timing his movement behind the backline, making defenders scramble.
That ability’s already paid off, like his goal against Philadelphia where he lost his marker and finished coolly.
He’s not tall—just 5’9”—but he uses his body well. He shields the ball, holds up play, and draws fouls in dangerous spots.
His quick burst of speed makes him tough to track, especially when midfielders like Deybi Flores play long balls in behind.
Brynhildsen’s finishing is more efficient than flashy. He likes high-percentage shots, usually going for the near post or low corners.
He stays calm in tight angles, which explains why Toronto FC went after him.
Recent Form (2025 MLS Season):
| Matches | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 2 | 1 | 620+ |
Fit Within Toronto FC’s System
Robin Fraser wants a striker who stretches defenses and creates space for wingers like Bernardeschi and Theo Corbeanu.
Brynhildsen’s runs pull defenders away, opening up more room for his teammates.
When he’s up top, he becomes the main focus of the attack. He’s also willing to press high, which matches Fraser’s demand for defensive work from the front.
That pressure can force turnovers and spark transition chances.
But when Toronto’s midfield doesn’t get him the ball, his impact drops. He’s admitted he needs more passes played in behind to really shine, and Fraser’s echoed that point publicly.
Expectations for the 2025 MLS Season
With Prince Owusu gone, Brynhildsen is expected to carry a bigger scoring load. Toronto FC sees him as their clear No. 9, and the coaches believe his earlier fitness issues are behind him.
If he stays healthy, he’ll get steady minutes. That rhythm matters for a striker who depends on confidence and timing.
His time at Molde showed he could turn a slow start into a goal streak once he found his groove.
Toronto’s attack looks better with him on the field. In his last six starts, the club scored 10 goals, compared to just eight in the previous 10 matches.
That’s a promising sign if the team keeps playing to his strengths.
Brynhildsen came through Stabæk’s academy before turning pro in Norway, so he’s no stranger to proving himself. Now, he faces the challenge of showing he can be a reliable scorer in MLS.
You’ll see his influence not just in goals, but in how well Toronto’s attack works around him.
Career Journey Before Toronto FC
Brynhildsen’s path has taken him through Norway and Denmark, building his reputation step by step before landing in Major League Soccer.
Each stop brought new challenges, new goals, and shaped him into a reliable attacking option.
FC Midtjylland Experience
If you look at his time with FC Midtjylland, you’ll find a player who adjusted quickly to the Danish Superliga.
He joined in 2023 and scored on his debut against Aarhus GF, which set the tone for his role in helping Midtjylland win the 2023–24 league title.
During two seasons, he put up eight goals in 38 matches across all competitions. He didn’t rack up huge numbers, but he delivered in key moments.
Midtjylland mostly used him as a forward stretching defenses with direct runs.
In 2024, he went back to Molde FK on a short loan and found his scoring touch again. That spell showed his style could adapt between leagues.
For Midtjylland, his presence mattered in a squad fighting for trophies.
Key Stats at Midtjylland (2023–2025)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danish Superliga | 30 | 6 | 2 |
| Cup + Europe | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 38 | 8 | 2 |
Molde FK Achievements
Before Midtjylland, Brynhildsen made his mark at Molde FK. He joined in 2020 after leaving Stabæk and quickly became a regular starter.
Over four seasons, he racked up 138 appearances, 42 goals, and 26 assists.
Molde played him both wide and centrally, giving him some flexibility. His best run came in 2022, when he helped Molde win the Eliteserien.
He also lifted the Norwegian Cup twice, in 2021/22 and 2023.
His second stint at Molde, on loan in 2024, was even more impressive. In just 18 matches, he bagged 12 goals and added 2 assists.
That run reminded everyone of his knack for delivering in the right environment.
Molde Career Totals
- 138 appearances
- 42 goals
- 26 assists
- 3 trophies (1 Eliteserien, 2 NM Cupen)
Stabæk Beginnings
Let’s start with Stabæk, the club where Brynhildsen came up through the youth system. He made his professional debut in 2017, lining up against Holmlia SK in the Norwegian Cup.
After that, he fought his way into the first team. Over three seasons, he played 65 matches, scored 13 goals, and chipped in with 5 assists.
Stabæk gave him a chance to show off his pace and finishing at the senior level. He didn’t win any trophies during this time, but he grew a lot as a player.
By the time he left, he stood out as one of Norway’s more promising young forwards.
Stabæk Record (2017–2020)
| Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 13 | 5 |
He also attended the Norwegian School of Elite Sport in Bærum. Balancing school and football helped him make the jump to the pro game without too much drama.
International Experience with Norway
Ola Brynhildsen started getting noticed by the Norway national team after he put together some solid performances in Norway and Denmark. The senior call-ups proved he could adapt to international football. His contributions in qualifying campaigns highlighted his attacking value in a tough European environment.
Norway National Team Appearances
Brynhildsen first wore the Norway shirt in 2022, debuting in a friendly against Ireland. Since then, he’s picked up four senior caps, mostly in friendlies and qualifiers.
He’s not a regular starter yet, but coaches clearly like his pace and direct approach. At youth level, he played for Norway at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, getting minutes in two group matches.
That tournament gave him a taste of top international competition. It helped him as he moved from Molde into bigger roles later on.
His international minutes might seem limited, but Norway’s attack already had Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth. Breaking into that group isn’t easy. Brynhildsen’s ability to play out wide or as a second striker gave him a shot when the team needed options.
Norway Senior Stats
| Competition | Caps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| UEFA Qualifiers | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 4 | 0 | 1 |
Impact in UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying
During Euro 2024 qualifying, Brynhildsen played a supporting role. He didn’t lead the line, but he brought energy off the bench in a couple of games.
His runs behind defenders gave Norway tactical flexibility. In one match, he set up a late goal by pulling defenders wide and opening up space in the middle.
That kind of play doesn’t always get noticed in the stats, but it shows he understands movement and spacing. Norway didn’t make it through qualifying, finishing behind tougher teams.
Still, Brynhildsen picked up valuable experience in high-pressure European matches. For someone who developed at Molde and FC Midtjylland, those minutes mattered.
Key Figures and Teammates
If you want to get a feel for Brynhildsen’s spot at Toronto FC, it helps to look at the people around him—those shaping his move, his growth, and his on-field partnerships. Each one affects how he adapts to MLS and what he brings to the attack.
Jason Hernandez’s Role in the Transfer
General Manager Jason Hernandez handled Brynhildsen’s loan move to Toronto FC from FC Midtjylland. With his background as an MLS defender and front-office guy, Hernandez targets players who can step in and help right away.
You can see the thinking here. Brynhildsen, a 26-year-old forward from Bærum, Norway, arrived with a reported salary of about $1.63 million in 2025. That’s a hefty number, showing both trust and a bit of pressure.
Hernandez likes to bring in players in their prime who fit with the current squad. Signing Brynhildsen lines up with a bigger plan—mixing European experience with chances for young Canadians.
He also knows Toronto needs more attacking threats. With Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi often handling creativity, Brynhildsen’s ability to stretch defenses gives the team another weapon.
Robin Fraser’s Coaching Influence
Head coach Robin Fraser has a reputation for structure and accountability. Watching Toronto FC, you can see Fraser’s mark on Brynhildsen in his off-ball work and positioning.
Fraser, who played at Florida International University before his MLS career, emphasizes tactics. Brynhildsen now tracks back more, presses in sync with teammates, and makes smart runs.
Adaptability matters to Fraser. Brynhildsen can play on the wing or up front, fitting into a system that shifts between a 4-3-3 and a 3-4-3. That flexibility means he can partner with different strikers without messing up the balance.
Fraser’s influence shows in the details. Brynhildsen’s timing on diagonal runs has gotten better, leading to more chances on the break. It’s not always flashy, but it’s effective.
Attacking Partners: Theo Corbeanu and Prince Owusu
For Brynhildsen to thrive, he needs to click with his attacking partners. Theo Corbeanu, a Canadian winger, and Prince Owusu, a German striker, shape how Toronto’s front line works.
Corbeanu, like Brynhildsen, is on loan and brings speed and directness out wide. He pulls defenders to the flanks, which frees up space for Brynhildsen in the middle.
Owusu offers a different look as a target man, holding up play and linking attacks. Together, the three balance each other out.
You get width from Corbeanu, strength from Owusu, and movement from Brynhildsen. This mix keeps Toronto’s attack from being too predictable.
2025 Attacking Contributions (MLS Regular Season)
| Player | Goals | Assists | Matchday Selections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ola Brynhildsen | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Theo Corbeanu | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Prince Owusu | 5 | 1 | 0 |
The stats show that each forward brings something different. Brynhildsen might not top the goal charts, but his movement and link play give Toronto options in the final third.
Honours and Career Highlights
Ola Brynhildsen’s career is dotted with domestic titles and big moments in European and league action. He’s been consistent, winning championships in Norway and Denmark, and he’s known for his direct attacking style—something that seems to work wherever he goes.
Domestic Titles and Individual Records
Brynhildsen started at Stabæk before making his mark with Molde FK. There, he helped lift the Eliteserien title in 2022. That season showed he could deliver in key moments, often stepping up as a decisive forward.
After moving to FC Midtjylland, he grabbed another trophy, winning the Danish Superliga in 2023–24. Winning league titles in two different countries by 25 says a lot about his adaptability and value.
He’s also hit some nice milestones. Across his time at Stabæk, Molde, and Midtjylland, he’s racked up 75 goals and 33 assists in 259 appearances. Those numbers show steady output, not just hot streaks—something you want from a forward year in and year out.
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Major Title Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabæk | 2016–2020 | — | — | — | — |
| Molde FK | 2020–2022 | — | — | — | Eliteserien 2022 |
| FC Midtjylland | 2022–2024 | — | — | — | Danish Superliga 2023–24 |
He also played college soccer at BI Norwegian Business School, juggling academics and his early football career.
Notable Performances in Club Competitions
You can point to several matches where Brynhildsen’s direct style really shaped the outcome. At Molde, he stepped up in UEFA Europa League qualifiers—scoring and creating chances that pushed the club into the group stages.
These moments started to build his reputation as a forward who just seems to thrive under pressure.
With FC Midtjylland, he picked up more European experience, facing off against tougher opposition in both qualifiers and league matches. He stretched defenses and pressed high up the pitch, so coaches kept picking him even if he wasn’t scoring every game.
For Toronto FC, his loan move in 2025 brought that same energy. The club liked his versatility; he could play through the middle or drift out wide.
His relentless pressing and knack for taking on defenders one-on-one fit head coach Robin Fraser’s system. That made him a key signing, joining the squad alongside Theo Corbeanu.
All in all, Brynhildsen’s career highlights show a forward who’s not just won titles but also delivered on the continental stage. He’s proved he can adapt to different leagues and tactical setups.
