Lion Links: 12/13/24

Happy Friday the 13th! It’s supposedly an unlucky day, but it’s hard not to just brush superstitions aside as we get ready for the weekend during a busy month. I’ll be spending the next few days shopping with friends, prying gift ideas from my family members who are hard to shop for, and hopefully starting a book or two that I’ve been meaning to read. But for now, let’s get to today’s links!

Orlando City Linked With Luis Palma

The rumor mill is in full swing and Orlando City is reportedly interested in Honduran winger Luis Palma, who currently plays for Celtic in Scotland. According to 67 Hail Hail, which covers Celtic transfer news, Orlando and Atlanta United have the 24-year-old on their radars. Palma is under contract with Celtic until 2028, but hasn’t been receiving much playing time under Brendan Rodgers. Orlando reportedly hasn’t contacted Celtic for a deal. In my opinion, this may just be the kind of interest that could be said of many players Orlando likely keeps tabs on abroad. Palma is talented, but he would be an awkward fit for an Orlando side that has open U22 Initiative slots and could be freeing up a Designated Player slot as well.

Facundo Torres Transfer Saga Rolls On

Would it be an Orlando off-season without some uncertainty over a prominent attacker? Orlando forward Facundo Torres’s potential departure has been the subject of reports this week, with Palmeiras and Cruz Azul as the leading contenders to sign him. According to Fabrizio Romano, Cruz Azul has now submitted a bid to Orlando for the 24-year-old, with Torres accepting the move as well.

But while Romano reports that Orlando is expected to accept the bid, Tom Bogert of Give Me Sport reports that Orlando is keeping its word to Palmeiras after accepting the Brazilian club’s offer.

If these reports are to be believed, it’s smart for Orlando to sit back while Palmeiras tries to work things out with Torres and Cruz Azul waits in the wings if it falls apart. There’s also still a chance Torres winds up staying in Orlando despite all of this. It’s a fluid situation and I’m curious how it will all shake out.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

While most of the excitement of MLS free agency is seeing which players wind up in new places, clubs are also focused on keeping important players around as well. LAFC has locked down defender Aaron Long, re-signing him to a deal through 2027. FC Dallas winger Alan Velasco signed a contract extension through 2028 with the club and will still be a Young Designated Player. Atlanta United re-signed forward Jamal Thiare, who had a brace in Atlanta’s win against Inter Miami in the playoffs.

San Diego FC also officially added center back Andres Reyes from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for $800,000 in General Allocation Money. Reyes should be a great anchor for San Diego’s defense as it prepares for its inaugural season in 2025.

Keeping Up With Europa League

The Europa League wrapped up another round of matches Thursday, and it’s a bit clearer on where each team stands heading into the tail end of the group stage. Rasmus Hojlund came off the bench and scored twice to lead Manchester United’s comeback in a 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in Czechia. Tottenham went to Glasgow and salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw thanks to a goal from Dejan Kulusevski. As for the two teams atop the standings, Lazio beat Ajax 3-1 in Amsterdam and Athletic Club won 2-0 against Fenerbahce. Galatasaray had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Malmo after Sergio Peña scored for the Swedish club in stoppage time. While no club has outright earned a spot in the round of 16 just yet, seven teams are assured of at least the knockout phase now, including Manchester United, Anderlecht, and Lyon.

Free Kicks

• CF Montreal and Toronto FC will square off in the first round of next year’s Canadian Championship. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Whitecaps have a bye into the next round.
• Dax McCarty, who retired following this past season, posted on Instagram that he will join the MLS Season Pass crew starting next season.
• Along with the great Champions League goal Weston McKennie and Tim Weah combined for, the returns of Johnny Cardoso and Giovanni Reyna were bright spots from Americans abroad this week.
• FIFA officially announced that the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil will start on June 24 and end on July 25.
• The Orlando Pride don’t just do good things on the soccer pitch. They also do good things away from the field, such as bringing a little joy to local area hospital patients.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!