Lion Links: 8/13/24

Happy Tuesday, everyone. Our Orlando soccer viewing schedule takes a brief respite, as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride won’t be back in action until next weekend. Orlando City B continues with its regularly scheduled programming though, and there’s still plenty happening elsewhere in the soccer world. That means we have plenty to talk about today, so let’s get going.

MLS Transfer Happenings

With just two days left to go in Major League Soccer’s summer transfer window, deals are flying thick and fast (unless you’re Orlando City). We start in the world of rumors, with Charlotte FC reportedly trying to pull off a deal to bring Miguel Almiron back to MLS.

Moving to confirmed deals, CF Montreal traded former Lion Ruan to FC Dallas in exchange for $50,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money. The New England Revolution signed midfielder Alhassan Yusuf from Royal Antwerp on a deal running through 2027, with an option for 2028. Finally, the New York Red Bulls are reportedly putting the finishing touches on signing Felipe Carballo from Gremio.

Vinicius Jr. Linked With Move to Saudi Arabia

In an extremely surprising piece of news, it’s being reported that Vinicius Jr. is considering a proposal to move to the Saudi Pro League. There have been concrete talks between Real Madrid and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund about the move, though Madrid understandably does not want the Brazilian winger to leave. At the moment, no formal offer has been submitted, but Vinicius did not reject the possibility of moving when the PIF spoke with his representatives. If he does move, he would be the highest-profile player in his prime to make the jump to the league, and Real Madrid would stand to receive a boatload of cash.

European Transfer Roundup

Transfer season in Europe is just as hectic as in the U.S., if not more so, and there are a few big items to highlight. In a dizzying series of events, Chelsea has pivoted from signing Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid, and is now targeting Joao Felix, with Connor Gallagher set to move the opposite direction. Following the reported collapse of the Omorodion deal, the Blues may be back in the hunt for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. Brentford has signed attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho from Liverpool, providing some extra punch in the attack. Finally, Julian Alvarez has moved from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid in a transfer reportedly worth $104 million.

Kevin Durant Buys Stake in PSG

After winning Olympic gold in Paris on Saturday, Kevin Durant took care of a different kind of business in the French capital, as he has bought a stake in Paris Saint-Germain. There are no concrete numbers as to the amount of Durant’s investment, but he purchased his stake through Arctos Sports Partners, an investment group that bought a 12.5% stake in the club several years ago. Durant will likely make some money, PSG gets its already high profile in the United States raised even more, everyone wins.

Free Kicks

• A number of United States Men’s National Team players will be in action during the week, so make sure you have everything marked down on your calendar.

• Georg Heitz will depart from his position as sporting director of the Chicago Fire at the end of this season.
• Adidas has dropped third kits for some of the bigger clubs that it outfits.