Kane's class - but England need new No.9 to lead World Cup bid

It's too easy for Ramirez! Clinical Chelsea look ominous

England's biggest winners & losers from the Nations League

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

The best Premier League loanees of the season so far

Szoboszlai in tears as Netherlands vs Hungary is halted

Why Ronaldo has been released from the Portugal squad

Ronaldo wants to make Guardiola the Selecao's new boss

Rooney sends heartfelt message to Coleen before jungle stint  

Neymar told he’s ‘same level as Messi’ but ‘ruined career’

Ronaldo sets clear timeline for retirement

Barcelona icon Pique weighs in on Ronaldo & Messi GOAT debate

Rashford branded a 'clown' after attending New York Knicks game

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Orlando City to sign Nico Lodeiro</li><li>Uruguayan leaves Seattle after eight years</li><li>Will not occupy DP slot for Lions</li></ul>

Two-time MLS Cup champion and ex-Uruguay international Nicolas Lodeiro headed to Orlando City in blockbuster free agency deal

<a href="https://theathletic.com/5168130/2023/12/29/nico-lodeiro-orlando-city-signing/" target="_blank">The Athletic</a> reports that the 34-year-old Uruguayan, who had a contract run out with the Seattle Sounders in 2023, is set to take his talents to Florida and join up with Orlando City. Lodeiro will not occupy a Designated Player slot for the Lions, as his contract will be below the max TAM threshold.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Orlando get one of the most well-respected attacking midfielders across the league, who likely still has two or three good years left in his boots. A 2023 campaign that saw limited minutes due to injury means he's theoretically saved an entire season on his body, too.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Lodeiro was capped 60 times by the Uruguay national time prior to international retirement. He was the first-ever captain of an MLS side to lift the CCL trophy (in 2022) and was a two-time MLS Cup winner with the Sounders during his eight-year stay in the Pacific Northwest. Now, he's taking his talents to sunny Orlando, where he'll look to add to his trophy cabinet.

DID YOU KNOW?

The 2024 MLS season is just a few months away, with MLS preseason beginning in January 2024. The Lions will be back in action in just under a months time, with friendlies and training sessions being scheduled before the campaign starts up in late February.

WHAT NEXT FOR LODEIRO AND ORLANDO

Two-time MLS Cup champion and ex-Uruguay international Nicolas Lodeiro headed to Orlando City in blockbuster free agency deal | Goal.com

Orlando City are set to sign free agent Nico Lodeiro, who lifted two MLS Cups and a Concacaf Champions League title winner with the Seattle Sounders