Lion Links: 1/30/18

Good morning, fine people. Another day has brought a whole slew of news, including a heap of Orlando transfer happenings. There’s not a minute to lose, so let’s get going.

Orlando Trades for Meram

Orlando City has acquired winger Justin Meram from Columbus Crew SC. Yes indeed, folks, the man who racked up 13 goals and seven assists last season will soon be wearing purple. The Lions sent $1.05 million in allocation money and a 2019 international roster spot to the Crew in order to secure Meram’s services. Meram will join other recent offensive signings Sacha Kljestan and Josué Colmán as part of a trio that will look to bring some firepower to the Lions. Oh, and that’s without even mentioning Dom Dwyer. Now for those of you worried that the team is looking a little top heavy at the moment, this next one’s for you.

Oriol Rosell Reportedly Near Orlando Move

Paul Tenorio has reported that a deal is being finalized to bring midfielder Oriol Rosell to Orlando City. While Rosell (a.k.a. “Uri”) is not a defender, he is a proven commodity in the defensive midfield, which is where he played at Sporting Kansas City from 2012-2014. The thing currently barring the Lions from signing Rosell is the need to move further up in the allocation order, as FC Dallas is the team currently in the top spot. If completed, Rosell would add more dimensions and possible formations to an Orlando City team that is slowly beginning to take shape, although a few more bodies are still needed in the heart of the back line.

Orlando Pride Deal for Three Players

If you thought that’s where the transfer news ended, well think again, buddy. Yesterday the Pride traded for Christine Nairn, Carson Pickett, and Haley Kopmeyer in two separate deals, both of which were with the Seattle Reign. One saw Jasmyne Spencer dealt to Seattle for goalkeeper Kopmeyer and Seattle’s third-round pick in the 2019 NWSL College Draft, and the other sent Steph Catley to the Reign, with midfielder Nairn and defender Pickett going the other way. Both Spencer and Catley are two original members of the Orlando Pride roster, and we wish them luck with their new team in the Northwest.

An End to the Larin Nonsense?

At last, it appears the saga that has been Cyle Larin’s departure from Orlando may be over. ProSoccerUSA.com has reported that Orlando City’s leading MLS goal scorer is finally on his way out the door, with Beşiktaş set to cough up a yet-to-be disclosed seven-figure amount (believed to be north of the previously reported $2.3 million) to get his signature on the dotted line. Oh, and thanks to the hanky-panky tactics that the Turkish club and the striker himself used to try to force the move, the Lions will get to keep the entirety of whatever that transfer fee ends up being. Normally the club would only get to keep two-thirds of it, but I think the Lions deserve all of it after this knavery, and apparently MLS agrees. I’d call that making the best of a bad situation.

Becks Gets His Franchise

David Beckham and Miami finally got their MLS franchise. The process that began all the way back in 2013 has finally borne some fruit, as Miami was granted an MLS expansion franchise that will begin play in 2020. Lots of the finer details are still fuzzy at this point, as the team doesn’t even have an official name yet, and is currently using the placeholder name of Fútbol Miami MLS. Seeing as their existence was only announced yesterday, I suppose they’re allowed a little bit of slack.

Free Kicks

• The NWSL Dispersal Draft for Boston Breakers players happens this afternoon. Here’s a good look at what the former Boston roster has to offer. Orlando picks eighth but could move up via trade prior to 1 p.m. The draft starts at 4 p.m.

Newcastle fans had to become creative with their entertainment while their team was getting the short end of a 3-0 stick while away to Chelsea:

• You might soon be able to get your very own Orlando City license plate.

A quick update on the #SaveTheCrew front:

• Today’s birthday’s include Christian Bale, Phil Collins, Arda Turan, and Peter Crouch.

That’s all I’ve got for today. It’s quite possible things will slow down a little after the slew of news from the last couple days but if not, never fear: The Mane Land has your back. Ciao.