Lion Links: 12/29/23

Welcome to the final Friday of 2023! It’s been an eventful year here at The Mane Land to say the least, and I’m thankful to have spent another 12 months enjoying Orlando soccer in this community. Hopefully 2024 is even better for all of us. Let’s get this Friday started off on the right foot with today’s links!

MLS Clubs Expected to Make a Splash This Off-Season

Orlando City was mentioned as one of many MLS clubs to keep an eye on this off-season in regards to bringing in a Designated Player. The Lions freed up a slot by transferring Ercan Kara to Samsunspor in Turkey during the 2023 season, which opens the door for a game-changing talent to come to the City Beautiful. It’s expected that the Lions will bring in a DP to replace Mauricio Pereyra and take the offense to the next level alongside Facundo Torres and Martin Ojeda. As for other Eastern Conference teams to watch, D.C. United and the Chicago Fire could add a DP after missing the playoffs this past season. But it’s CF Montreal that I think could most improve, as Victor Wanyama was its only DP and it still nearly snuck into the playoffs.

Opportunities for Improvement for NWSL Clubs

With 2024 only a few days away, CBS Sports writer Pardeep Cattry described what each NWSL team can do to improve in the new year. The Orlando Pride have already been busy this off-season, but could make a statement by making a marquee signing through free agency. After the Pride missed out on signing Debinha last year and are reportedly no longer in discussions with Crystal Dunn after making an offer, it would definitely be nice for a big name free agent to choose Orlando for once. That being said, the Pride didn’t miss the playoffs by much and can improve further by signing more free agents with upside like Angelina and having another strong draft next month.

LAFC Reportedly Finalizing Deal for Hugo Lloris

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is reportedly headed to MLS to join LAFC and there won’t be a transfer fee for him to make the move. The 37-year-old has made over 400 appearances for Tottenham over the course of his career, but has not played this season under Ange Postecoglou. The Frenchman retired from international soccer in January of this year after helping France reach the 2022 World Cup. It’s a bit of a weird move from LAFC in my opinion, as Maxime Crepeau did well for the club during this year’s playoffs. He’s out of contract now but still likely a much less expensive option than Lloris.

Reviewing the USWNT’s 2023

It was a year filled with change for the United States Women’s National Team. This year, Vlatko Andonovski’s time at the helm came to an end, Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz hung up their cleats, and the USWNT made its earliest exit in a World Cup by the narrowest margins possible. That disappointing World Cup performance overshadows how the USWNT finished the year without a single loss despite injuries to players like Mallory Swanson and Becky Sauerbrunn. With new coach Emma Hayes on her way, the USWNT has opportunities to impress in 2024 thanks to the SheBelieves Cup, inaugural Concacaf W Cup, and Olympics.

Free Kicks

• Minnesota United loaned 22-year-old left back Ethan Bristow to Stockport County FC for the 2024 season, although he can be recalled at any time.
• Here’s an interesting feature from Kansas City Soccer Journal‘s Chad Smith that dives into if Sporting Kansas City’s match against Inter Miami should be moved to Arrowhead Stadium due to Lionel Messi and the demand for tickets.
• Whether or not Carlos Vela will return to LAFC is one of the storylines to keep an eye on this MLS off-season. The 34-year-old only scored nine goals this past season and hasn’t found the back of the net since August.
• The San Diego Wave re-signed veteran defender Christen Westphal to a contract through 2025.
• Arsenal is reportedly interested in signing Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
• Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana wants his release for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations to be delayed so he isn’t away from Manchester United for too long.
• Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair wanted to relocate Wimbledon FC to Belfast in Northern Ireland in the late 90s according to previously classified documents.

That’s all I have for you this time around. The next time y’all will hear from me will be in 2024, so I hope you all have a fantastic rest of your year!