Lion Links: 1/3/24

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope the new year is treating you well so far. Now that things are slowing down at work, I’ve been hitting the gym more often, catching up on some shows, and playing EA FC 24. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando Pride Sign Evelina Duljan

The Orlando Pride announced the signing of former Juventus midfielder Evelina Duljan on Tuesday. The 20-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Pride for the 2024 season. Duljan split time with the Juventus first team and the U-19 squad last season and made 23 appearances in Serie A. She also won the Italian Cup and helped Juventus finish second in Serie A last season behind AS Roma. Despite a crowded midfield for the Pride, Duljan can play as a fullback or winger on either side of the field and has played as a number 10 as well.

Latest MLS Off-Season Moves

In the latest MLS off-season roundup, the Portland Timbers announced the transfer of midfielder Yimmi Chara to Colombian side Junior FC. Chara returns to his former club, where he had previously played from 2017 to 2018. Elsewhere, the New England Revolution have re-signed midfielder Emmanuel Boateng to a one-year deal for the 2024 season, with an option in 2025. Former LAFC left back Diego Palacios has officially joined Corinthians. The Colorado Rapids waived center back Danny Wilson and winger Sam Nicholson.

Tierna Davidson Joins NJ/NY Gotham FC

NJ/NY Gotham FC has signed defender Tierna Davidson to a multi-year contract through the 2026 season. Davidson had previously played with the Chicago Red Stars for five seasons, starting in 62 matches and playing 5,420 minutes. She also helped lead the Red Stars to six NWSL playoff appearances, with Chicago reaching the final twice. Davidson also made 51 appearances for the United States Women’s National Team and was part of the squad that won the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

D.C. United Reportedly Nears Deal to Hire Troy Lesesne

According to The Athletic (paywall), D.C. United is reportedly close to a deal to bring Troy Lesesne in as its next head coach. Lesesne was promoted to head coach for the New York Red Bulls last May after the club parted ways with Gerhard Struber. Despite helping the Red Bulls qualify for the playoffs, the club chose not to renew his contract for the 2024 season. Other finalists the club reportedly considered were former New York City FC head coach Dome Torrent and former El Salvador manager Hugo Perez. D.C. United missed the playoffs last season, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference with 40 points.

Free Kicks

• MLSSoccer.com listed the biggest transfer priority for all 29 clubs and identified center back as a top need for the Lions after the recent departure of Antonio Carlos.

• USMNT midfielder Djordje Mihailovic is reportedly expected to leave AZ Alkmaar just one year after joining the club. Mihailovic has been linked to a return to a Major League Soccer side.

• The Utah Royals have signed midfielder Agnes Nyberg to a two-year deal.
• Former D.C. United head coach Wayne Rooney was fired as Birmingham City’s manager after he won just two of his 15 matches in charge.
• Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly in talks over loaning Jadon Sancho to his former club. Juventus and RB Leipzig are also reportedly interested.

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