Lion Links: 12/22/25

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been keeping myself busy at work with Christmas just days away. Besides that, I’ll be checking out all the holiday festivities at the Christkindlmarket in Chicago and taking in a Bulls game later this week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Signs Tyrese Spicer to New Contract

Orlando City announced Saturday that the club has signed Trinidad & Tobago international forward Tyrese Spicer to a new contract. Spicer’s new deal runs through the 2027-2028 season with a club option for 2028-2029. The club had previously exercised Spicer’s contract option for the 2026 season but ended up signing him to a longer deal. He was acquired in a trade with Toronto FC on Aug. 1 and made two starts in 12 appearances, scoring two goals and adding two assists across all competitions with Orlando. The 25-year-old creates danger up front with his speed and athletic ability. With Spicer locked up with a new contract, he will have plenty of time to develop into a potential starter for the Lions.

Orlando City Signs Tiago to MLS U22 Initiative Contract

Orlando City announced another addition Friday, signing Brazilian forward Tiago from Esporte Clube Bahia to an MLS U22 Initiative contract through the 2027-2028 season with an option for 2028-2029. The club did not disclose the transfer fee, but Tom Bogert of The Athletic reported the fee to be $4 million. The 20-year-old winger came through Bahia’s academy and made his first-team debut in February 2023. Tiago made five starts in 25 matches for Bahia in Brazil’s Serie A during the 2025 season, scoring three goals and adding two assists. Tiago can play on the wing or up top, and we’ll see how the club plans to use him in the attack next season as he develops his game.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

There was plenty of Major League Soccer transfer news over the last couple of days. New York City FC re-signed midfielder and former Lion Andres Perea through the 2027-2028 season with an option for 2028-2029. The Columbus Crew are bringing back defender Rudy Camacho for the 2026 season. The New York Red Bulls re-signed defender Tim Parker to a new contract through the 2026 season with an option through June 2027. Austin FC announced the transfer of winger Osman Bukari to Widzew Lodz in Poland in exchange for a record transfer fee. Lastly, according to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, D.C. United is reportedly close to acquiring center back Sean Nealis from the New York Red Bulls.

Americans Abroad

Two Americans squared off in the Premier League as Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United faced Chris Richards and Crystal Palace Saturday. Aaronson played 77 minutes, and Richards played a full 90, but Leeds United cruised past Crystal Palace 4-1. Ricardo Pepi continued his stellar form, scoring another goal as PSV Eindhoven defeated FC Utrecht 2-1 Sunday. Weston McKennie notched an assist as Juventus edged AS Roma 2-1. Malik Tillman played 90 minutes as Bayer Leverkusen defeated Red Bull Leipzig 3-1. Auston Trusty played 90 minutes as Celtic snapped its four-match losing streak across all competitions, beating Aberdeen 3-1 Sunday and securing Wilfried Nancy’s first win as manager. Today, Antonee Robinson and Fulham will face Nottingham Forest in Premier League action.

Free Kicks

• Former Lion goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was in action for Peru in a 2-0 win over Bolivia Sunday in an international friendly.
• Sporting Club Jacksonville has signed former OCB midfielder Luc Granitur to a contract ahead of the club’s pro debut in the USL Championship in 2026.
• Tyler Adams will be sidelined for two to three months after suffering a torn MCL during AFC Bournemouth’s 4-4 draw last week against Manchester United.
• Boston Legacy FC announced that the club will play a select number of home matches at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, RI during its inaugural season in 2026. The stadium is the home venue to USL Championship side Rhode Island FC.
• Real Sociedad has appointed Pellegrino Matarazzo as its new manager. He is the first American to coach in La Liga. The club is 16th in the table with 17 points and is two points above the relegation zone.
• Kylian Mbappe scored a goal for Real Madrid in a 2-0 win over Sevilla Saturday to tie former Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals in a calendar year.
• Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe announced that the African Cup of Nations will switch to a four-year cycle, starting in 2028. Meanwhile, host Morocco defeated Comoros 2-0 in the opening match of the African Cup of Nations Sunday.

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