Orlando City reportedly attempted to sign Brazil and Tottenham forward Richarlison last summer, but their pursuit stalled after being quoted a transfer fee at $46.4 million, according to ESPN. The MLS club viewed the 28-year-old as a potential face of the franchise ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Richarlison remains under contract with Spurs until 2027.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has vowed not to take any risks with Lionel Messi during the October international friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Messi is doubtful for the Venezuela clash, which will be played on Saturday, only a day before Inter Miami face Atlanta United in a crucial MLS fixture. He will link up with his Argentine team-mates after playing seven matches in 21 days.
Bayern Munich have reportedly decided to take a risk on Harry Kane's contract extension amid intensifying Premier League and MLS transfer links. Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham in 2023, has a €65 million (£57m/$75m) release clause embedded in his contract that would allow him to leave the German club next summer. Kane has until the end of the January transfer window to trigger that option if another club comes in with an offer.
Steven Gerrard admits he is still haunted by failing to win the Premier League title with Liverpool, saying his infamous slip against Chelsea still rears its head from time to time. The Reds legend remains one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the game but was unable to lead his boyhood club to a league title during an illustrious spell at Anfield.
Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale believes MLS would be more appealing if salaries for international stars matched what they could earn in Europe. He added that the league’s infrastructure and life in major North American cities are otherwise major selling points. Bale had a brief but successful stint with Los Angeles FC, lifting the MLS Cup in 2022.
USMNT defender Alex Freeman faced Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hero Kanu in a lighthearted cross-sport juggling challenge at the University of Texas athletic complex. The showdown highlighted the surprising footwork of the German-born football player against the refined technique of the rising American soccer prospect.
Columbus Crew captain Darlington Nagbe has announced he will retire at the end of the 2025 season, concluding an illustrious 15-year MLS career. The 35-year-old midfielder is among the most decorated players in league history, with four MLS Cup titles and the fifth-most regular-season appearances (444). He also has 25 USMNT caps.
Inter Miami left back Jordi Alba announced that he will walk away from professional soccer at the end of the 2025 season. The former Spain international, who won 25 trophies over the duration of his career, will go down as one of the best fullbacks of all-time and a stalwart on numerous teams alongside Lionel Messi. The Spainard will turn 37 next year.
Inter Miami conceded five goals in a humbling defeat to the Chicago Fire on Tuesday, putting manager Javier Mascherano’s tactics under scrutiny. But the Herons made sure there wouldn’t be a repeat, allowing just one goal while Lionel Messi proved the catalyst with three assists in a convincing 4-1 win over the struggling New England Revolution on Saturday night.
