Lion Links: 1/17/24

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’m doing my best to stay warm up here in Chicago, as we’ve been dealing with frigid weather outside this week. Besides that, I’m back to covering high school basketball and staying busy at Under Armour. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Michael Halliday Signs New Contract with Lions

Orlando City has signed Homegrown Player Michael Halliday to a new contract that will last through the 2025 season, with club options for 2026 and 2027. Halliday originally joined Orlando City’s academy in 2016 with the U-13 squad and worked his way up to making the first team in 2020. Halliday spent all of last season with the first team and made 21 appearances across all competitions, starting in 12 matches and contributing two assists. This new deal shows the club has long-term plans for the 20-year-old defender. Now that Halliday is locked in on a longer deal, he can focus on making improvements for the 2024 season and continue developing his game.

Orlando City’s Bid for Center Back Reportedly Rejected

According to Tom Bogert of The Athletic (paywall), Orlando City’s bid for Viking FK center back David Brekalo was rejected. The original bid was reportedly for around $2 million to sign the Slovenian defender. Talks between the two sides will continue for a potential deal, and Brekalo reportedly wants to make the move to Orlando.

Orlando Pride and Erika Tymrak Agree to Terminate Contract

The Orlando Pride announced that the club and midfielder Erika Tymrak have mutually agreed to terminate her contract. Tymrak joined the club prior to the 2021 NWSL season, making 61 appearances and recording two goals and seven assists during her three years with the Pride. Tymrak also made her 150th NWSL career appearance while with the Pride and has played in the NWSL since its inaugural season in 2013. This move will allow Tymrak to explore opportunities outside the NWSL, while the Pride may look to bolster its attack for the upcoming 2024 season.

Mallory Swanson Stays in Chicago

U.S. Women’s National Team forward Mallory Swanson has decided to extend her stay in the Windy City and return to the Chicago Red Stars on a new, record-breaking NWSL contract. Swanson had been a free agent this off-season but has agreed to a contract with the Red Stars through the 2028 season for reportedly $2 million. This deal sets an NWSL record for the most long-term contract in the NWSL and also makes her the league’s highest-paid player. Swanson will reportedly make $400,000 per year, surpassing Houston Dash winger Maria Sanchez, who signed a three-year $1.5 million contract last month.

AS Roma Fires Manager Jose Mourinho

AS Roma has fired Jose Mourinho as its manager after its recent 3-1 loss to AC Milan this past Sunday. The club has been in bad form as of late, with just one win in its last six league matches. Roma currently sits in ninth place in Serie A and was knocked out in the Coppa Italia after losing 1-0 to rival Lazio last week in the quarterfinals. Mourinho joined AS Roma in May of 2021 and won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022 helped Roma finish as runner-up in last year’s Europa League. AS Roma has named club legend Daniele De Rossi as interim manager through the end of the Serie A season.

Free Kicks

• Facundo Torres is having fun at preseason training with the Lions.

• The North Carolina Courage have signed former Pride midfielder Dani Weatherholt on a two-year contract through the 2025 season.
• After announcing his retirement from professional soccer last month, Giorgio Chiellini will return to LAFC as a player development coach.
• Minnesota United has signed former Orlando City draft pick Derek Dodson to a one-year contract, with club options for 2025 and 2026.
• New York City FC has added midfielder Hannes Wolf from Borussia Monchengladbach, signing him to a contract through the 2027 season, with an option for 2028.
• USMNT midfielder Giovanni Reyna looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund during this month’s transfer window. He has reportedly been offered to European clubs such as Marseille, Sevilla, and Benfica.
• Former Toronto Blue Jays star Jose Bautista was announced as the new owner of the USL Championship’s Las Vegas Lights.

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