Lion Links: 8/5/25

Good morning, everyone. It was a mixed bag for Orlando’s soccer teams over the weekend, as Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and Orlando City B combined for a record of 1-1-1. This week will be a busy one, as OCSC continues its Leagues Cup campaign Wednesday, OCB and the Pride play on Saturday, and the Lions finish things off against Inter Miami at home on Sunday. We’ve got plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s get to the links.

Ally Watt Becomes Denver’s First Signing

Ally Watt has reportedly been traded from the Orlando Pride to the Denver Summit, making her the expansion club’s first-ever player. While the deal has not been officially confirmed, an important caveat to the rumored move is that Watt was immediately loaned back to the Pride for the remainder of the 2025 season. In exchange for Watt, the Pride are said to have received $75,000 in expansion allocation money, $37,500 in transfer funds, and also salary cap relief as part of the loan agreement. We’ll continue covering this story as more information becomes available, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled.

MLS Transfer Happenings

There’s a ton of transfer movement happening in Major League Soccer, so let’s get caught up on everything. We start with LAFC, which has signed defender Ryan Porteus from Watford FC on a deal that keeps him under contract through the 2028 season with an option year for 2029. Up next is Atlanta United and the signing of midfielder Steven Alzate from Hull City on a contract that keeps him at the club through the 2030 season. We now move into the realm of rumor, as Toronto FC is reportedly finalizing a deal to acquire Djordje Mihailovic from the Colorado Rapids for $8 million in cash and an additional $1 million in add-on incentives. Not to be outdone, the Portland Timbers are said to be nearing a deal to sign Kirstoffer Velde from Olympiakos as a Designated Player.

Checking in on Americans Abroad

The bulk of European leagues haven’t quite made their return yet, but there were still a number of American players doing their thing overseas during the weekend. Sergino Dest went the full 90 and scored a goal in PSV Eindhoven’s Dutch SuperCup victory, while Ricardo Pepi played 28 minutes off the bench. Cameron Carter-Vickers went the full 90 in Celtic’s season-opening Scottish Premiership win, while Auston Trusty made a 25-minute substitute appearance. Griffin Yow and Bryan Reynolds both started in Westerlo’s 3-1 win over Zulte Waregem in the Belgian Pro League, with Yow scoring a goal. Finally, Matthew Hoppe came off the bench and scored a goal for Sonderjyske in the team’s 3-2 win over Nordsjaelland.

European Transfer Rumor Mill

There are a number of transfer rumors to catch up on across the pond, so let’s dig in. Newcastle United continues to be heavily featured in the headlines, with reports emerging that the club wants to beat Manchester United to signing Benjamin Sesko. The Magpies are also said to be interested in signing center back Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. Porto has reportedly decided against signing defender Jakub Kiwior from Arsenal after balking at the Gunners’ asking price. Finally, Chelsea is reportedly progressing well in talks to sell unwanted players Kiernan Dewsberry-Hall, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Carney Chukwumeka.

Free Kicks

• Follow along with Orlando City’s representatives in this video of them at the recent MLS All-Star festivities.

• The Orlando Pride rose a spot to no. 4 in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
• In something you don’t see very often, Liverpool beat Athletic Club in two separate friendlies on the same day.
• Ruben Dias has reportedly agreed to terms on a new deal with Manchester City.

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