Lion Links: 9/17/20

Happy Thursday, Lionesses and Lions. As usual, I hope you overcame your hump day with ease. Orlando City has its next game against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, so until then, the Lions will be training hard in hopes of being razor sharp coming into the match-up at Exploria Stadium. A great deal of news has been occurring lately though, so with that, let’s get right into the links.

Nani Ranked Fourth Among MLS Players in FIFA 21

Orlando City winger and Portugal veteran Nani has been ranked as the fourth-highest rated MLS player overall on the new FIFA 21 game. The Lions’ talisman was awarded a rating of 80 and the only players who are rated higher in MLS are Carlos Vela (83), Blaise Matuidi (83), and Josef Martinez (81). Lions supporters who are fans of FIFA should be sure to utilize Nani in the upcoming game. As in real life, he will be incredibly useful.

Despite being rated so high among MLS players in the game, Nani felt that some of his attributes should have had higher scores. True competitor.

DeAndre Yedlin May be MLS Bound

USMNT and Newcastle United right back DeAndre Yedlin may make a switch to MLS as his contract with the Toons is drawing to a close. The 27-year-old reportedly has a number of suitors in the American top division and a move back to the United States could be in the cards for him. Reports from Roger Gonzalez suggest that a move to Europe is still possible; however, MLS sides are the ones making the push.

Neymar handed Controversial Two-Match Ban

Neymar has been slapped with a two-match ban after his bust-up with Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez. The Brazilian defender claims that the 30-year-old Spaniard was making racist remarks towards him and that was what caused the reaction from him. Despite that, Neymar was given a two-match ban. Ligue 1 says it is carrying out an investigation on the situation, however, the fact that FFF President Noel Le Graet recently stated that racism in football is “not real” does not exactly inspire confidence in anyone that justice will be served.

Gareth Bale Looks Set to Rejoin Tottenham Hotspur

Real Madrid has reportedly agreed to pay a part of Gareth Bale’s extortionate wages and a loan move for the Welsh forward looks likely. Though Bale had an incredible start to life at Madrid after making the costly switch from Tottenham, he has fallen out of favor with Los Blancos. Zinedine Zidane and company are keen on getting Bale and his wages — which are over $700,000 per week — off the bill and interest from his former club looks as though it will amount to Spurs acquiring him.

Free Kicks

• Messi scored this absolute peach in a friendly against Girona. Not bad for a guy who’s unsettled.

• Sergino Dest is reportedly being monitored by FC Barcelona. After a great season at Ajax, the Spanish giants are interested in snapping up the American with new head coach Ronald Koeman being a massive fan of his.
• I feel like all I’m writing about is FIFA in this set of Lion Links. Alphonso Davies was given a pathetically unjust and low 81 rating. Disgraceful seeing as he is the most promising left back in the world game.
• Adrian Healey of ESPN will also be the new voice of Austin FC when the Texas-based side starts play in MLS.

That’ll do, pig. That’s all for this Thursday’s set of links. As ever, thanks for reading and I’ll catch you in the flip side.