Lion Links: 7/11/23

Happy Tuesday, everyone! There are a busy next few weeks ahead of us, with Concacaf Gold Cup games, Women’s World Cup matches, and Orlando soccer to enjoy. As to be expected, there’s plenty to talk through today, so let’s dive into the links.

Javier Otero Signs Homegrown Contract With Orlando City

Orlando City B goalkeeper Javier Otero has been signed to a Homegrown Player contract by Orlando City. Otero’s deal runs through the end of the 2024 MLS season, with option years for 2025 and 2026. The 20-year-old has been in Orlando City’s system since 2017, and has been the regular starter for OCB in MLS NEXT Pro. He becomes the 14th player to sign a Homegrown Player contract in club history, and the second goalkeeper, following Mason Stajduhar. Given the excellent form he’s shown for OCB since taking the reins as a starter, this has been coming for a while and is well deserved. Congrats, Javier!

Messiah Bright Wins NWSL Player of the Week Voting

Orlando Pride forward Messiah Bright has won the voting for the latest NWSL Player of the Week. Bright led the line for the Orlando Pride in the team’s win against OL Reign last Friday, and scored the game’s only goal in the 16th minute. She also put three of her six shots on target, completed five of the seven dribbles she attempted, had a tackle and a clearance, won three aerial duels, and passed with 82% accuracy. Suffice it to say, she was a worthy winner.

MLS Transfer Roundup

There are several pieces of MLS transfer business to catch up on. First, Franco Ibarra was officially loaned from Atlanta United to Toronto FC for the remainder of this season. Atlanta received $50,000 in General Allocation Money in return. The New England Revolution signed Tomás Chancalay on loan from Racing Club in Argentina. The forward’s deal runs through the end of the season and includes options to either extend the loan through June of next year, or make it permanent. The Colorado Rapids have signed forward Rafael Navarro on a 12-month loan from Palmeiras. Navarro will occupy a Designated Player slot and will need to help provide a spark for an offense that’s only scored 16 goals in 21 games.

European Transfer Rumors Continue to Fly

The European transfer rumor mill is churning as fast as ever and there’s some interesting pieces to talk through today. Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly interested in bringing Paulo Dybala to Chelsea. A clause in Dybala’s contract with Roma would allow him to leave for a foreign club for less than an Italian one, which could help Chelsea get a deal done.

Tottenham Head Coach Ange Postecoglou says that while he wants Harry Kane to stay with the club, he has not received any assurances. Kane has reportedly been attracting a lot of interest, particularly from Bayern Munich.

Finally, Napoli’s president has said that Victor Osimhen will play for the club next season, with the club possibly interested in selling after that. If he has another season like this past year, his value will skyrocket.

Free Kicks

• Mariana Larroquette is officially going to the Women’s World Cup with Argentina.

• Marta made an appearance on the cover of EA Sports FC24, and she’s rocking an Orlando Pride jersey.

• Orlando City youngster Jarell Bonilla has been called up by El Salvador ahead of the Concacaf U-15 Championship.

• Former Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has been banned from soccer for an additional 16 months.
• The Soccer Champions Tour will have games shown on ESPN+, with some also appearing on ESPN Deportes.

That does it for me today. Y’all stay safe out there.