Lion Links: 1/8/26

We have a full week of 2026 under our belts now, so how are those resolutions coming along? I’ve been getting some more reading done and am looking forward to trying out a new truffle recipe this weekend. Let’s go ahead and dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Receives Third-Round Pick for Shak Mohammed’s Rights

Nashville SC sent Orlando City a 2027 MLS SuperDraft third-round pick in exchange for the first right of refusal on Shak Mohammed, who has signed with Nashville. The Lions drafted Mohammed with the second overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, a pick acquired by trading right back Ruan to D.C. United. He was the scoring leader for Orlando City B the past two seasons, but his contract option was declined by the club following the 2025 season. A third-round pick isn’t too valuable, but it’s better than nothing and gives Orlando another dart to throw in the next draft

Luis Muriel Reportedly Nears Contract Termination

You’ll need a translation tool for the details, but Orlando City forward Luis Muriel is reportedly working towards terminating his contract with the Lions for a move to his boyhood club in Colombia, Junior FC.

Muriel has been inconsistent as a Designated Player and him leaving for Junior seems like a win for all parties, although there’s likely still math to be worked out regarding the money. Anything that cheapens fully buying out Muriel’s contract would likely be good for Orlando City. Muriel’s future has been talked about throughout the off-season. Though the process may not have the requisite drama attached for it to be labeled a saga, I’m looking forward to a resolution.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

Former Lion Kyle Smith signed with FC Cincinnati, inking a contract through 2026 with an option through June of 2027. It’s a homecoming for Smith, who was born and raised in Cincinnati. It will definitely be weird seeing him on the opposite of the field when Orlando plays Cincinnati this season.

Nashville has reportedly signed winger Cristian Espinoza as the club’s third Designated Player, completing a dangerous trio alongside Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge. The 30-year-old joins Nashville after six seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes and he’s San Jose’s all-time leader in assists. Elsewhere across the league, the Philadelphia Union re-signed midfielder Ben Bender to a contract through June of 2027, Real Salt Lake added 21-year-old midfielder Zach Booth on loan from Excelsior in the Eredivisie, and Toronto FC re-signed midfielder Derrick Etienne Jr. to a deal through the 2026 season with options for the following two seasons.

Kansas City Current Officially Hire Chris Armas

Chris Armas was announced as the Kansas City Current’s next head coach. He’ll replace Vlatko Andonovski, who stepped down as head coach to focus on his role as the club’s sporting director after a historic season that included winning the NWSL Shield. This will be Armas’ first time coaching in the NWSL. He most recently coached the Colorado Rapids for three seasons. Kansas City is an interesting landing spot for a head coach new to the league, so it will be interesting to see how things shake out this year.

2026 SheBelieves Cup Schedule Unveiled

The United States Women’s National Team will take on Canada, Argentina, and Colombia in this year’s SheBelieves Cup. All four teams hail from the Western Hemisphere, likely due to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Women’s Asian Cup, and UEFA World Cup qualifying also taking place this March. The SheBelieves Cup will kick off in Nashville on March 1, with the USWNT taking on Argentina and Canada facing Colombia. The U.S. will then play Canada on March 4 in Columbus before wrapping things up against Colombia in Harrison, NJ on March 7.

Free Kicks

• Congratulations to Kylie Nadaner, who announced her pregnancy on social media!

• The recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela has disrupted travel for many Venezuelan athletes. This includes multiple MLS players, although Orlando City said it expects its players will make it to training camp.
• After recording seven goals and three assists this past season, Brazilian forward Bia Zaneratto has left the Current to sign with Palmeiras.
• According to The Athletic ($), the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association is preparing for arbitration with the NWSL over the new High Impact Player rule.
• American forward Damion Downs will join Hamburg on loan through May. He hasn’t played for Southampton since November, so hopefully this move will get him some notable playing time.
• Neymar signed a contract extension with Santos through the end of 2026. The 33-year-old helped Santos avoid relegation last year, scoring 12 goals
• No Brazilian player has scored more goals in an English Premier League season than Brentford’s Igor Thiago, who scored twice against Sunderland to bring his total to 16 this year.

That’s all I have for you all this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!