Lion Links: 1/30/24

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I’m still recovering from a busy Gasparilla weekend over here in Tampa, and I could frankly use some more sleep. The world waits for no one, however, and that means we have a positively jam-packed day of news that we need to get to. Without further delay, lets get into today’s links.

Teams Chasing Duncan McGuire

Sheffield Wednesday reportedly had an offer for Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire rejected and The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has said that the English outfit isn’t the only team interested in signing him. We now have further details on the interested parties (paywall), as Bogert says Blackburn Rovers and FC Midtjylland are also in the race for his signature. Blackburn previously had a pair of loan offers with purchase options rejected, and is now reportedly back to try landing a permanent deal, while Midtjylland has had an eye on Duncan since he cracked the starting XI last season. Bogert also puts Blackburn and Midtjylland in pole position to secure his services if Orlando does decide to sell, as opposed to Sheffield Wednesday.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of United States Men’s National Team players who are in action this work week, so make sure you have everything marked out on your calendar. Matt Turner and Nottingham Forest have a big test this afternoon when they host Arsenal, while Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, and Fulham play Everton. Chris Richards and Crystal Palace take on Auston Trusty and Sheffield United today as well. Tomorrow sees a heavy dose of Belgian league action as Mark McKenzie and Genk travel to Leuven, while Gaga Slonina and Eupen meets Charleroi. If Giovanni Reyna hasn’t found a new club by Friday then he isn’t likely to do so this transfer window, and his Borussia Dortmund team will face Heidenheim that day in league action.

MLS Transfer Roundup

As is the case this time of year, we have a healthy dose of Major League Soccer transfer action to catch you up on. First up, CF Montreal has used Targeted Allocation Money to sign Dominik Yankov from Ludogorets in the Bulgarian first division. Yankov is a Bulgarian international and has made 17 appearances for his country since his first call-up in 2020.

The Philadelphia Union signed 20-year-old attacker Markus Anderson from Rayo Majadahonda in the Spanish third tier. Anderson holds U.S. citizenship, so he won’t require an international roster spot. The Vancouver Whitecaps signed defender Tristan Blackmon to a contract extension through the 2027 season. Austin FC signed goalkeeper Damian Las to a contract extension and then loaned him out to Louisville City FC to help him get some minutes. Finally, the Colorado Rapids loaned fullback Miguel Navarro to Argentine side Talleres for the duration of the 2024 season in a deal that also contains a purchase option.

International Tournament Roundup

Two international tournaments are entering their latter stages, so let’s get caught up on all of the action. We’ll start with the Africa Cup of Nations, where host nation Ivory Coast took down defending champion Senegal on penalties to reach the quarterfinals.

Cape Verde used a late penalty kick to advance past Mauritania in its round of 16 matchup, and the smallest country at the competition remains alive with a real chance to win the whole damn thing.

We turn next to the AFC Asian Cup, where Jordan and Iraq played out a pulsating contest that ended with Jordan scoring two goals in stoppage to complete the comeback and advance to the quarterfinals. Iraq played the final 15 minutes a man down after Aymen Hussein was sent off after he was deemed to have excessively celebrated his goal that gave Iraq a 2-1 lead. Qatar endured a scare from Palestine to book its ticket to the next round. The Palestinians took the lead in the 37th minute, but Qatar levelled things just before halftime and took a 2-1 lead in the 49th minute that was enough for the holders to advance.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City has officially arrived in Cancun for the next portion of the team’s preseason preparations.

• You can use this handy-dandy link to sync the Orlando Pride’s schedule to your calendar.
• Speaking of the Pride, check out some of the scenes from preseason training.

• Aston Villa has stayed in the Women’s League Cup despite fielding an ineligible player in the team’s 7-0 beatdown of Sunderland.
• Mikel Arteta has dismissed rumors that he is ready to succeed Xavi at Barcelona after the season is over.
• Blackburn Rovers soundly beat Wrexham by a score of 4-1, ending the League Two side’s run in the FA Cup.
• There’s a theoretical scenario where, if Girona wins La Liga and Manchester City doesn’t win the Premier League, City might not be able to play in the UEFA Champions League next season.

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!