Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/7/26
Orlando City signs Maxime Crepeau, MLS and NWSL transfer news, Canadian call-ups, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I know it might seem like Orlando hasn’t made as many off-season moves as other teams, but compared to the past, the club is moving pretty quickly in addressing positions of need. There is more to be done, but there’s also plenty of time to do it. As always, patience is a virtue. For now, let’s get to the links.
New Keeper, eh?
Orlando City signed free agent Canadian international goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau through the 2027-2028 season. Following the departure of Pedro Gallese the club had seemingly lined up Carlos Coronel before he flaked off to Brazil Serie A side São Paulo. That left the Lions scrambling to find a new keeper. Crepeau has years of MLS experience with Montreal Impact / CF Montreal, LAFC, the Vancouver Whitecaps, and most recently, the Portland Timbers. This might not be the splashy signing we expected, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad move by the club.
MLS Transfer News
Orlando City wasn’t the only club announcing new players. The Columbus Crew signed midfielder Sekou Bangoura from Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona. Real Salt Lake acquired 17-year-old forward Chance Cowell from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for up to $650,000 in future General Allocation Money. FC Cincinnati acquired defender Félix Samson on loan from CF Montréal through the 2026 season. As reported by Tom Bogert, Toronto FC has signed veteran goalkeeper William Yarbrough.
Bogert also shared that Inter Miami is set to sign Brazilian center back Micael. Signing a center back seems like a good idea for other teams in Florida as well.
NWSL News Roundup
The NWSL also had it’s share of news on Tuesday. The Washington Spirit announced their roster update prior to the new season. Midfielder Courtney Brown, forwards Brittany Ratcliffe and Ouleye Sarr, and defender Kysha Sylla will not return. Angel City signed Brazilian international midfielder Ary Borges to a three-year contract. Bay FC signed defender Brooklyn Courtnall to a new three-year contract. The Chicago Stars announced the construction of new ‘player-centric’ club training facilities that should be completed in 2027.
Former Lions Called Up
Jesse Marsh called up 21 players for Canada’s January training camp — 15 from MLS — including former Orlando City players Kamal Miller and Richie Laryea. He did not call up Orlando City’s newest player, Maxime Crepeau, as he has just signed with the Lions. Canada will play Guatemala Jan. 17 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Free Kicks
- Chelsea has appointed Liam Rosenior as their new head coach. He has signed a 5-and-a-half-year contract with the Premier League club.
- The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the United Soccer League (USL) and the USL Players Association (USLPA) has expired. The two entities will resume talks on Thursday regarding a new CBA.
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might return for another stint as Manchester United’s boss after the club parted ways with Ruben Amorim on Monday.
- You’re on the clock, Inter&Co Stadium.
That will do it for today. Keep checking back, because you never know when either Orlando City or the Orlando Pride will make off-season announcements. Vamos Orlando!