Transfer Rumor: Orlando City Linked to Brazilian Midfielder/Right Back

The silly season is upon us even as Portland and Atlanta prepare to settle things for MLS Cup. The first major rumor involving Orlando City this season comes to us from UOL Esporte, one of the biggest websites in Brazil. According to the site, Orlando City leads for the services of Vasco da Gama midfielder/right back Glaybson Yago Souza Lisboa, known commonly as Yago Pikachu.

The excellently named Pikachu, a nickname given due to his speed and small stature (5-foot-6), has been with the Serie A side since 2016 and is coming off as season in which he scored 19 goals across all competitions, including 10 in league play, four in the State Championship, four in Copa Libertadores, and one in the Brazilian Cup. The 26-year-old is a product of the Paysandu youth system in Brazil.

But Orlando City fans shouldn’t get their hopes up. Although Pikachu is linked with Orlando City, a source with knowledge of the situation told The Mane Land that the club currently doesn’t have the resources for the signing. Pikachu re-signed with Vasco da Gama in June, which makes him a more expensive signing. The source said that Pikachu is more likely to end up with a different Major League Soccer team but did not say which one. UOL Esporte mentions that Pikachu recently began taking English classes, which would be beneficial for such a move stateside.

Pikachu, who is also being sought by Japanese and Brazilian clubs, is currently vacationing in the U.S., driving rumors. Though a player with his skills and who plays his positions would help Orlando City, it’s likely the Lions will have to look elsewhere to address their needs this off-season.