Lion Links: 1/9/24

Happy Tuesday, everyone. The Major League Soccer off-season continues to roll right along, and between heaps of transfer stories and all the action from overseas leagues, there’s plenty to talk about today. Before we get started though, let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City defender Kyle Smith!

Orlando City Linked With Slovenian Center Back

We begin today with an Orlando City transfer rumor. There have been reports that the Lions have submitted a bid in the area of $2 million for Viking FK center back David Brekalo. The 25-year-old Slovenian is said to be interested in leaving, although the Norwegian club is leaning the other way. Brekalo has made 11 appearances for his country and scored one goal. If the move does come to pass he would presumably be tapped to slot in alongside Robin Jansson after Antonio Carlos’ departure.

MLS Transfer News

There are several pieces of MLS transfer news to catch up on. We’ll start out in the Rocky Mountains, where the Colorado Rapids completed the signing of USMNT midfielder Djordje Mihailovic from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. The Rapids reportedly broke their transfer fee record to sign him, and the former Chicago Fire and CF Montreal player will be a Designated Player. The Rapids also transferred midfielder Max Alves to Brazilian side Cuiaba.

Staying in the Western Conference, St. Louis City has signed left back Nikolas Dyhr from FC Midtjylland in Denmark. The 22-year-old Dane joins on a three-year deal with an option year for the 2027 season.

Atlanta United is reportedly finalizing a deal for a new center back.

The LA Galaxy are reportedly putting the finishing touches on a deal that has the potential to break the club’s transfer record.

Analyzing Americans Abroad

Several high-profile Americans plying their trade overseas had performances worth revisiting last week. As mentioned in yesterday’s links, Daryl Dike made his return from a nine-month injury layoff with a goal for West Brom. Tim Weah did the same, although he was only sidelined for around a month. Christian Pulisic continued his excellent form with a stellar assist in AC Milan’s 3-0 win over Empoli, which saw him carry the ball down the field before calmly laying it off for Chaka Traore to fire home. Folarin Balogun’s form might be cause for concern though. He’s only scored once since Oct. 7, cooling off significantly compared to finding the net three times in his first five games with AS Monaco. That being said, he’s contributed four assists this season and Monaco is currently third in the Ligue 1 standings. Hopefully he’s just saving all his scoring for the Copa America this summer.

USMNT Players in Midweek Action

Speaking of the USMNT, there are a number of Yanks who will be playing in games during the work week. Tomorrow, Antonee Robinson’s Fulham will travel to Anfield to take on a Liverpool team that has reportedly been interested in signing the left back. Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will host Atalanta in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia. On Thursday, Weston McKennie, Weah, and Juventus will host Frosinone in a Coppa Italia quarterfinal of their own. Josh Sargent will try to score in two straight games on Friday when Norwich City travels to Hull City in EFL Championship action.

Free Kicks

• CF Montreal has hired Laurent Courtois as the team’s next head coach.
• Longtime MLS veteran Ozzie Alonso has announced his retirement.
• Sporting Kansas City has moved its match against Inter Miami to Arrowhead Stadium and the tickets won’t be cheap.
• Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at the age of 78.

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