Lion Links: 12/16/24

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy working at Under Armour and am pushing through as we get close to Christmas. I also have high school basketball and ice hockey to cover later this week, so that will keep me busy as well. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Palmeiras Reportedly Finalizing Deal to Sign Facundo Torres

Orlando City forward Facundo Torres looks set for a move to Brazil, as Palmeiras is reportedly finalizing the deal to sign him. The Brazilian club will reportedly pay Orlando a club record fee of $14 million, and Orlando will retain a sell-on clause. Last week, Orlando City reportedly reached an agreement with Palmeiras, which still had to sort out personal terms with Torres. Liga MX side Cruz Azul was also in the mix, but Orlando remained committed to its deal with Palmeiras.

Duncan McGuire Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

Orlando City announced on Friday that forward Duncan McGuire underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder, which will sideline him for four to five months. McGuire sustained the injury during Game 3 of Orlando City’s playoff series against Charlotte FC on Nov. 9 when Djibril Diani pulled him down. The forward played a crucial role this season, recording 10 goals and three assists to help the Lions make the playoffs. With McGuire set to miss the first half of the 2025 season, the Lions will have to consider its options to replace his production until he can return. The Lions could draft a striker, sign a free agent, start Luis Muriel as the main striker, or move Jack Lynn into the attack.

Lions Sign Defender Kyle Smith to New Contract

Orlando City defender Kyle Smith will return for another season. The club announced on Friday that it re-signed Smith to a new one-year contract through the 2025 season. The club had negotiated with Smith since Dec. 5 to bring him back for a seventh season. Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi gave some insight on the importance of bringing Smith back for another run with the Lions.

“Bringing Kyle back to Orlando for 2025 is a great step in our project for next season,” Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said in a club press release. “He’s been such a vital piece of our successes over the last few seasons with his versatility and work rate both on and off the field. He’s a player that we know we can always depend on, and we’re excited to have him back with us next year.”

Smith has played six seasons with Orlando City, making 180 appearances for the club across all competitions. Having Smith back will be a huge boost to the back line with his versatility. He fits in with the team’s culture, can play several positions, and can come off the bench late to help close out matches for the Lions.

MLS Transfer News Recap

We have some MLS transfer news to catch you up on from over the weekend. The New England Revolution acquired center back Brayan Ceballos from Brazilian side Fortaleza. Ceballos signed a deal through the 2027 season, with an option for 2028. Atlanta United re-signed defender Ronald Hernandez through 2025, with an option for the 2026 season. Greek clubs Panathinaikos and Olympiacos are reportedly targeting Toronto FC Designated Player Federico Bernardeschi for a possible transfer move. The Chicago Fire are reportedly close to signing former Philadelphia Union center back Jack Elliott as well.

Free Kicks

• The Washington Spirit reached an agreement to sign former Orlando Pride goalkeeper Kaylie Collins to a new one-year contract for the 2025 season.
• The MLS Cup final between the LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls reportedly drew a record-low viewership of 533,000 viewers from MLS Season Pass, FOX, and FOX Deportes.
• The Vancouver Whitecaps’ ownership group, which includes Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and Steve Nash, has announced plans to sell the club.
• Atlanta United has reportedly named Chris Henderson as the club’s new sporting director.
• Pachuca defeated Al Ahly 6-5 on penalties after a scoreless draw in the Challenger Cup and will face Real Madrid in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final on Dec. 18. in Qatar.

• AC Milan is reportedly negotiating a new contract for USMNT star Christian Pulisic.

• Gio Reyna scored the opening goal for Borussia Dortmund in his first Bundesliga start of the season, but Hoffenheim fought back with a late equalizer to escape with a 1-1 draw.
• Celtic defeated Old Firm derby rival Rangers 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw to win the Scottish League Cup.
• Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-1, getting two late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo to seal the victory in the Manchester derby. Pep Guardiola’s side has now lost eight of its last 11 matches across all competitions.
• Wolverhampton has fired manager Gary O’Neil after a 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town on Saturday. The club is winless in its last four matches and remains in the relegation zone, sitting 19th in the Premier League table.
• In another coaching change in the Premier League, Southampton has fired manager Russell Martin after its 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

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