Lion Links: 3/24/26

Good morning, everyone. I’m very tired after finally being home from traveling since last Wednesday, and the mixed bag from Orlando’s soccer teams over the weekend didn’t do a ton to get my blood pumping. I’m digging deep and soldiering on regardless though, and that’s exactly what we all need to do. There’s plenty to discuss this morning, so let’s wish the Orlando Pride’s Hailie Mace a happy birthday, and have a look at the links!

USMNT Players to Watch During the March Window

The United States Men’s National Team is about to play its final two matches before Mauricio Pochettino picks the World Cup roster. Naturally, there’s a sense of pressure for every player on the roster for these friendlies, but there are several players who are likely feeling the heat more than their teammates. Chief among them should be Gio Reyna, who continues to barely play at the club level for Borussia Monchengladbach while simultaneously managing to show well whenever he plays for the national team. Johnny Cardoso is the opposite of Reyna however, in that he excels at the club level but hasn’t really been able to replicate that form with the USMNT. Finally, there’s Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, and Tim Ream, who are all fighting for the starting center back spot that isn’t currently occupied by the excellent Chris Richards.

Coaching Carousel Rumors

As Orlando City fans know well, no coach remains in a job forever. Didier Deschamps has long been rumored to be leaving the France job after 14 years in the position, with Zinedine Zidane tabbed as his successor. Sources now say that a verbal agreement has been struck between Zidane and the French Football Federation for him to do just that, with only a few more details still needing to be ironed out before he puts pen to paper. In England meanwhile, Tottenham is said to have made a contingency plan if current interim manager Igor Tudor is fired with just seven games left in the season. Former Monaco coach Adi Hutter is rumored to be high on the list of names who could potentially take over for Tudor in an attempt to save a season that could end in relegation. Tottenham’s next game is on April 12 against Sunderland, and the club has yet to win a Premier League game in 2026.

Injuries Alter International Squads

Several national teams will be missing big names during the March international window, as injuries and the toll of a long season are keeping some players at home. Arsenal defender Gabriel played the full 90 minutes in the Gunners’ Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City but has withdrawn from the Brazil squad due to pain in his right knee. Fellow Arsenal teammates William Saliba and Eberechi Eze will not be joining up with France or England respectively, as they’re also dealing with lower body issues. Manchester United’s Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko have respectively withdrawn from the Cameroon and Slovenian squads. Mbuemo came off after 71 minutes in United’s draw with Bournemouth, while Sesko has been dealing with an unspecified issue for several weeks now.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

Transfer season never truly stops, and there are some rumors that we need to catch up on this morning. We start with the world of women’s soccer, where Real Madrid is said to be interested in signing Colombian striker Mayra Ramirez from Chelsea in a move that would unite her with international teammate Linda Caicedo. Moving to the men’s game, Manchester United is reportedly interested in making a surprising summer move for Arsenal left back Myles Lewis-Skelly. If that attempt doesn’t bear fruit, the Red Devils may be able to pivot to Alphonso Davies. Bayern Munich reportedly may consider selling him in the summer as his injury issues have made the prospect of cashing in on him a tempting one.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City dropped four spots to no. 27 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
• Denver Summit forward Jasmine Aikey has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury List after suffering an ACL tear.
• LAFC has signed Homegrown defender Christian Diaz to a contract that runs through June of 2027.
• Sevilla has fired Matias Almeyda (formerly coach of the San Jose Earthquakes), following the team’s loss to Valencia on Sunday. Sevilla sits just three points above the relegation zone.

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