Lion Links: 12/28/23

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s that weird week right before the new year when nothing feels real and we’re quite literally waiting for the ball to drop. I’ve been spending most of it working and getting my apartment situated after receiving some gifts. The hardest thing to figure out is how to best christen the new blender I received. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Duncan McGuire Deserves USMNT Call-Up

Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire was noted as a player who should be called up to the United States Men’s National Team’s camp in January, which will be followed by a friendly against Slovenia in San Antonio on Jan. 20. European clubs won’t be on break when the friendly takes place, which opens the door for young MLS players to get valuable experience with the senior team during an Olympic year. McGuire was electric during his rookie season in Orlando and also scored in the U.S. U-23 national team’s 4-1 win over Japan in a friendly this past October. Other young players who could make a splash in next month’s camp include the Chicago Fire’s Brian Gutierrez, Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna, and the Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan.

Damir Kreilach Departs Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake captain Damir Kreilach won’t be back with the club next season, with the two sides officially parting ways after his contract option was declined following the 2023 season. The Croatian midfielder has been with RSL since 2018, becoming the club’s captain after a phenomenal 2021 season in which he recorded 16 goals and nine assists. His 55 goals are the third most in club history and Real Salt Lake made the playoffs five times while he was there.

Johnny Cardoso Officially Joins Real Betis

In a move that has been reported on for the past couple of months, American midfielder Johnny Cardoso has officially made the move to Real Betis from Internacional in Brazil. The 22-year-old has made nine appearances for the United States Men’s National Team and should benefit from making the move to Europe. Real Betis is currently seventh in La Liga and Cardoso’s addition to the midfield could help the club climb up the standings and qualify for European competition. According to the initial reports of Cardoso’s move to Real Betis, the Spanish club paid $6.3 million to sign him and his contract will last through 2029.

PSG Reportedly Agrees to Sign Gabriel Moscardo

Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly reached an agreement with Corinthians to sign 18-year-old midfielder Gabriel Moscardo to a five-year deal. Moscardo has made 25 appearances for Corinthians’ senior team and has garnered plenty of attention from clubs across Europe. Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, and Barcelona are some of the clubs who have shown levels of interest in Moscardo, while Chelsea reportedly had a $22 million bid rejected last summer.

Free Kicks

• Spanish forward Alexia Putellas had successful arthroscopic surgery for her left knee.
• Americans Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan were the only soccer players who made Forbes’ list of the 20 highest-paid women athletes.
• Here’s a nice dive into the origins of “Spursy” in regards to Tottenham Hotspur and how current manager Ange Postecoglu is trying to shake off the stigma and create a more reputable identity.
• ESPN‘s Mark Ogden crafted a starting lineup of English Premier League players who had disappointing years, with eight of them playing for either Manchester United or Chelsea.
• The folks over at GQ think it’s time to bring back oversized collars for soccer jerseys. I wouldn’t hate it if Orlando included one as part of a retro kit inspired by the 90s.

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