Lion Links: 8/8/23

Happy Tuesday, everyone! There’s a busy week ahead of us as the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B both play matches tomorrow, followed by OCB playing again on Sunday. That, combined with the Women’s World Cup, means that there’s plenty to talk about today, so let’s hop into the links.

Get to Know Luca Petrasso

Orlando City defender Luca Petrasso took the time to sit down and help fans get to know him a little better. The left back talked about how he really likes going forward, despite playing a defensive position, and says that he’s always enjoyed taking defenders on and utilizing a more direct style of play. He also mentioned that he played hockey at a pretty high level as a kid, and that a number of guys he played with are now in the NHL.

Neymar Wants Out of Paris

Reports have emerged that Neymar has told Paris Saint-Germain that he wants to leave the club this summer. The Brazilian forward is said to favor a move to Barcelona, but the Spanish club is reportedly split on whether or not to pursue signing him, with the club’s financial situation not making the decision easier.

Speaking of PSG, it’s been an open secret that Kylian Mbappe is in the middle of a transfer stalemate with the team, which wants to sell the forward before his contract expires in June of next year. It’s reportedly believed he has agreed to join Real Madrid next summer on a free transfer. There’s now a report floating around that MLS has started exploring the possibility of bringing the French forward stateside following the arrival of Lionel Messi. That would require some serious rule flexibility to happen this season though, given that the league’s summer transfer window is now closed.

USMNT Transfer Rumors

United States Men’s National Team goalkeeper Matt Turner is reportedly on the brink of joining Nottingham Forest. Turner is said to have undergone a medical on Monday, with the move set to be finalized pending the results. Turner would join fellow USMNT goalkeeper Ethan Horvath at Forest, who was the starting goalkeeper for newly promoted Luton Town last year on loan.

Staying in the Premier League, Arsenal has reportedly rejected an offer from Monaco for USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. The Gunners are said to value Balogun at around $64 million dollars and are open to selling him if their price point is met. The 22-year-old had a great loan spell at Reims last season but is thought to prefer a permanent move as opportunities at the Emirates Stadium look to be pretty slim this season.

England, Australia Reach World Cup Quarterfinals

The Women’s World Cup rolled on in the wee hours of Monday morning with the third day of Round of 16 games. In the 3:30 a.m. match, England advanced past Nigeria on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw, but much of the attention was focused on Lauren James’ red card. James got her marching orders in the 87th minute for a baffling stomp on Michelle Alozie, but England managed to advance to the quarterfinals.

Australia then beat Denmark 2-0 in a solid performance in which the host nation got more confident as the game went on. Sam Kerr even made a 10-minute appearance from the bench – potentially pointing towards increased involvement down the road as she battles back from a calf injury. The Aussies will face the winner of this morning’s match between France and Morocco.

Free Kicks

• New Pride signing Rafaelle was in the building on Monday, and she’s a natural in purple.

• Tottenham has reportedly rejected a Bayern Munich bid of over €100m for Harry Kane.
• West Ham has reportedly submitted improved bids to Manchester United for Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire.
• North Carolina FC exercised its option to return to the USL Championship and will play in the 2024 season.

That’s all for today. Have a nice and relaxing Tuesday!