Lion Links: 12/27/23

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope you all are doing well and enjoyed the Boxing Day matches yesterday. I’ve just been busy getting back to work and still trying to figure out my New Year’s Eve plans in Chicago. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

LA Galaxy Reportedly Interested in Pablo Solari

The LA Galaxy have been linked with River Plate star Pablo Solari. The club has reportedly been in negotiations with the Argentine club and submitted a transfer bid around $10 million to acquire the 22-year-old forward.

Solari scored five goals while adding seven assists for River Plate during the 2023 season. Another player linked with possibly joining the Galaxy recently has been Olympique Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, as the Galaxy look to overhaul their roster.

Marco Antonio Garces Departs LAFC for Europe

LAFC Director of Football Operations Marco Antonio Garces has left the club to join La Liga side Celta Vigo as its new sporting director. Garces was LAFC’s first director of football operations, joining before the 2022 season and helping the club win the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup that year. He joined LAFC after 11 years with Pachuca, serving as the Liga MX club’s sporting director for seven of those years. The 50-year-old now heads to Spain to steer Celta Vigo out of La Liga’s relegation zone. Meanwhile, LAFC will likely be on the hunt for a replacement.

Boxing Day Roundup

It was Boxing Day in England on Tuesday and there was plenty of soccer to enjoy. Manchester United was down 2-0 at halftime to Aston Villa, but bounced back in the second half. Alejandro Garnacho notched a brace while Rasmus Hojlund scored the winner to beat Aston Villa 3-2 and snap United’s four-match winless streak. Nottingham Forest beat Newcastle United 3-1, with Chris Wood scoring a hat trick against his former club. USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner was in goal for Nottingham Forest, making five saves to help end his club’s seven-match winless streak in league play. Elsewhere, Bournemouth shut out Fulham 3-0 and Liverpool won 2-0 against Burnley. Today, there’s more English Premier League soccer as Brentford takes on Wolves, Chelsea faces Crystal Palace, and Everton hosts Manchester City.

Fan Allegedly Makes Racist Remark Towards Carlton Morris

Police are investigating an incident that occurred during Tuesday’s match between Luton Town and Sheffield United match where a fan allegedly said a racist comment towards Luton Town forward Carlton Morris. The 28-year-old came on as a substitute and created a pair of chances that led to own goals in his team’s 3-2 comeback win on the road. Morris informed the match officials of what happened and referee Sam Allison spoke to both managers following the incident. The English Premier League spoke on how racism has no place in the sport and that it will continue working with clubs and authorities.

Free Kicks

• There are many MLS players to keep an eye on once transfer windows across Europe open next week, including Orlando City’s Facundo Torres. Free agents like center back Miles Robinson and midfielder Kellyn Acosta could make moves abroad as well.
• Former LAFC defender Diego Palacios, who is currently a free agent, has been linked with a move to Corinthians.

• Celtic center back Cameron Carter-Vickers came off the pitch in its 3-0 win against Dundee FC with a hamstring injury. The American could miss this Saturday’s derby match against Rangers as well.
• Former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo was linked with a possible move to Inter Miami to join fellow Argentine player Lionel Messi. Rojo is currently under contract with Boca Juniors through 2025 and Palmeiras is also reportedly interested in the defender.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday, and I’ll see you next time.