Lion Links: 8/15/23

Happy Tuesday, everyone. There’s a lot going on in the soccer world, with the return of the European soccer season and a pair of Orlando Pride and Orlando City games looming this weekend. It means we have plenty to discuss. Before we get started though, let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City’s Thomas Williams! Now, on to the links.

Orlando City Signs Gustavo Caraballo

Orlando City has signed 14-year-old academy player Gustavo Caraballo to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. The U-15 player has signed a deal which will have him play for Orlando City B through 2025, with club options for 2026, 2027, and 2028 as well. Caraballo is the youngest player the Lions have ever signed to a professional contract, and he takes the roster spot of Alejandro Granados, who was sold to Club Brugge last week.

Tyler Adams Reportedly on the Move

Tyler Adams has had a busy last week, but is reportedly set to return to the Premier League after a deal with Chelsea collapsed over the weekend. The United States Men’s National Team midfielder looked set to join Chelsea last Friday and had even completed a medical with the team. Despite that deal not coming to pass, Adams is now said to be close to joining Bournemouth as the club has8 triggered his £20 million release clause. Adams has been dealing with a hamstring injury and hasn’t played since mid-March, but should be a good addition to a Bournemouth team looking to stay in the Premier League for a second year in a row.

USMNT Players in Action This Week

There are a number of USMNT players in action this week, and it can be a bit dizzying keeping up. One of the highlights will be Ricardo Pepi and PSV Eindhoven facing Sturm Graz today in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match. Josh Sargent and Norwich City play Queens Park Rangers tomorrow in the Carabao Cup. On Thursday, Mark McKenzie and Genk will try to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Olympiacos in Europa League qualifying, while Djordje Mihailovic and AZ Alkmaar will take on Santa Coloma in Europa Conference League qualifying.

European Transfer Roundup

The European transfer carousel continues to spin, and there are several new items to cover. First up, Kepa Arrizabalaga has joined Real Madrid on loan from Chelsea, replacing the injured Thibaut Courtois. Speaking of Chelsea, the Blues officially completed the signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion for a British-record fee of $146 million.

West Ham also signed James Ward-Prowse from Southampton on a four-year deal. Finally, Manchester United is reportedly intent on signing Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich to replace Harry Maguire, who is said to be nearing a move to West Ham.

Free Kicks

• Have a look at Orlando Pride signing Mariana Larroquette exploring her new home.

• Orlando City B sits in 10th place of the MLS NEXT Pro power rankings.
• Wolverhampton Wanderers coach Gary O’Neil says Professional Game Match Officials Limited’s Jon Moss apologized to him and said a penalty kick should have been awarded for a foul by Andre Onana in the closing moment’s of Wolves’ loss to Manchester United.

That’s all for today. I hope you all have a great Tuesday and rest of your week!