Lion Links: 1/2/24

Happy Tuesday, everyone! As we emerge from the post-holiday fog, I hope you all had fun and restful holidays, and that there isn’t too much work piled up on your desks waiting for you. As usual, we have plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get into the links.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of United States Men’s National Team players who will play games during the first work week of 2024. Josh Sargent and Haji Wright got the new year off to a good start on Monday as Sargent scored the equalizer for Norwich City in a 1-1 draw and Wright got Coventry City’s second goal in a 3-1 win. Christian Pulisic and AC Milan have a Coppa Italia match later today, and Luca de la Torre and Johnny Cardoso could find themselves facing off against each other when Celta Vigo and Real Betis play tomorrow.

Previewing the USMNT’s 2024

Speaking of the USMNT, 2024 is a big year for the men representing the Stars & Stripes. Things kick off with the release of the January camp roster on Friday, and they only ramp up from there. Obviously hosting the Copa America on home soil is a massive deal, as it’ll include the best competitive matches that the Yanks will get before hosting the 2026 World Cup. There are plenty of other interesting things to watch too, like who becomes the frontrunner for the starting striker job, and whether or not anyone can dethrone Matt Turner as the first string goalkeeper.

January Transfer Window Roundup

Now that the new year is here, the January transfer window is officially open, and teams have been quick to get deals done. Manchester United has sent Donny van de Beek on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt, and has also reportedly decided not to trigger a clause that would extend Raphael Varane’s contract by one year.

Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain has signed Lucas Beraldo from Sao Paulo in a deal worth $22.1 million. Finally, Arsenal and Chelsea are both said to be interested in signing Ivan Toney from Brentford, but the Bees want at least £80 million to let go of its star striker.

Liverpool Dominates Newcastle

Mohamed Salah had a brace as Liverpool made a statement about its title credentials with a dominant 4-2 win over Newcastle United on Monday. Goal difference doesn’t tell the whole story of a game, but the Reds’ 7.53 xG when compared to the Magpies’ .70 xG was just one area in which Liverpool outclassed its opposition. They took 34 shots to Newcastle’s five, and also had 64% of the ball. Newcastle has been struggling lately as the injuries have piled up, but it remains a dangerous team with plenty of quality, and the manner in which it was swept aside by Liverpool was impressive. The result takes the Reds three points clear at the top of the table over Aston Villa in second place.

Free Kicks

• Antonio Carlos penned a touching goodbye to Orlando and the team he spent the last four years with.

• D.C. United has completed a permanent transfer for Gabriel Priani, keeping him at the club following a loan spell during 2023 from Santos FC.
• Thomas Partey and Tariq Lamptey have missed out on Ghana’s African Cup of Nations squad due to injuries.
• There are a number of Premier League players who could benefit from a transfer during the January window.

That’s all I have for you this morning. Y’all stay safe out there.