Lion Links 2/2/26

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been keeping myself busy at work while catching up on shows and getting ready to cover high school bowling, hockey, and basketball playoffs this month to conclude the winter sports season. Let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride midfielder Viviana Villacorta, who turns 27 today. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Alex Freeman’s Impact with Orlando City

Last week, Orlando City announced the transfer of fullback Alex Freeman to La Liga side Villarreal CF for a fee reported in the range of $4 million to $7 million. MLSSoccer.com’s Charles Boehm interviewed General Manager and Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira to discuss the recent transfer of Freeman. Moreira shared insight into Freeman’s impact on the club, from academy player to playing for OCB and the first team, and highlighted the pathway to success for developing players. Moreira also discussed the challenge of replacing the 21-year-old right back. He stated that the club will need to consider options such as developing someone or changing the system to explore other areas of the game. Other topics covered include: the club’s recent additions of Tiago and Luis Otavio, investing in more MLS U22 Initiative prospects, and the club’s search for another Designated Player to replace Luis Muriel. Orlando City defender Adrian Marin, who had played at Villarreal, also chimed in about Freeman in an interview with Marca and stated he believes the Orlando City Homegrown has enormous potential and can excel at a top level in Europe.

Orlando Pride Loan McKinley Crone to Fort Lauderdale United FC

The Orlando Pride announced Friday that the club has loaned goalkeeper McKinley Crone to Fort Lauderdale United FC of the Gainbridge Super League for the rest of the 2025-2026 campaign. Crone joined the Pride in 2023 as a National Team Replacement Player and returned the following preseason in 2024 as a non-roster invitee. She has made five appearances and recorded 14 saves across all competitions since joining Orlando. The Super League started its second half of the season over the weekend, and Crone will be with the club through June 1. She made her debut Saturday and played a full 90 minutes Fort Lauderdale fell 3-1 to Lexington SC.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

As always, there is plenty of transfer news in Major League Soccer. The Vancouver Whitecaps have acquired winger Bruno Caicedo from Barcelona SC of Ecuador’s Serie A. The 21-year-old joins Vancouver on a deal through the 2028-2029 MLS season with an option for 2029-2030. The Whitecaps also added midfielder Aziel Jackson on loan from Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok through June 2026 with a purchase option. St. Louis City also made a move, acquiring American midfielder Dante Polvara from Aberdeen FC of the Scottish Premiership. The club also sent up to $150,000 in General Allocation Money to New York City FC for Polvara’s right of first refusal. His contract is through the 2027-2028 season with an option for 2028-2029. Inter Miami announced the club has officially acquired German Berterame from CF Monterrey for a fee of $15 million. Berterame is under contract through the 2028-2029 season with an option for 2029-2030 and will be a Designated Player. The Columbus Crew are reportedly finalizing a deal to sign forward Jamal Thiare from Atlanta United.

Fluminense has reportedly submitted a transfer bid to LAFC to acquire Denis Bouanga.

Lastly, Atletico Madrid has reached an agreement with the Seattle Sounders to sign Obed Vargas.

Americans Abroad

Let’s catch you up on Americans in action abroad in Europe. Malik Tillman of Bayer Leverkusen continued his stellar form, scoring his third goal for the club in a week in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Patrick Agyemang scored his third goal in his last four appearances as Derby County beat Bristol City 5-0. Brenden Aaronson played 71 minutes, but Leeds United fell 4-0 to Arsenal. Antonee Robinson also played 71 minutes, but Fulham fell 3-2 to Manchester United. Johnny Cardoso played a full 90 minutes for Atletico Madrid in a scoreless draw against Levante. Weston McKennie scored a scissor-kick goal for Juventus in a 4-1 win against Parma. In case you missed it, you can check it out below.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City players took a team photo to close out their preseason camp in Mexico over the weekend.

• Former Lion Cyle Larin, who was on loan at Feyenoord, is reportedly set to complete a transfer move from La Liga side Mallorca to EFL Championship side Southampton.
• The Final Whistle at Thornton Park Pub, which is now open in Orlando through March 31, is where Lions and Pride fans can gather for the club’s 2026 Kickoff to Soccer celebrations. The pop‑up bar will feature rare memorabilia from both clubs, such as iconic kits, match‑worn items, and historic displays.
• Fulham and PSV Eindhoven have reportedly reached an agreement on a transfer fee for striker Ricardo Pepi.

• Super agent Rafaela Pimenta, whose clients include Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Gilberto Mora, and Liverpool manager Arne Slot, gave an interview to BBC Sport and shared insights on being the first female super agent, the transfer window system, gender inequality, and inspiring others.
• Rap legend and Swansea City investor Snoop Dogg has stated he wants to take the Welsh side back to the Premier League and introduce sponsorship deals and publicity to make the club a global name.
• Caitlin Foord scored the game-winning goal to help Arsenal edge Corinthians 3-2 after extra time to win the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Gotham FC took third in the competition, beating ASFAR 4-0.

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