O-Town's 11
Fansided

Orlando City hasn't got them yet, but the team is after winners for the pitch

• Hotspur striker appeared on then moved off Lions radar
• Front office keeps quietly but furiously working
• The next Orlando City postseason drive starts now
ByChuck Wharton|
Nov 24, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Brazil forward Richarlison (9) scores a goal against Serbia during the second half in a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Lusail Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images
Nov 24, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Brazil forward Richarlison (9) scores a goal against Serbia during the second half in a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Lusail Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images | Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images

A few ants may show at the top of the mound. But rest assured, it’s busy where you can’t see. The same is true of Orlando City SC.

The front office of Orlando City SC hasn’t issued bulletins or hung banners. But the scouts and executives are working ferociously to acquire the players that will lead them to the MLS post-season they missed this year.

Ever since Head Coach Oscar Pareja took over his position six years ago, the Lions have earned a spot in the MLS playoffs.  But this year, the closest they could get to a meaningful postseason match was the wildcard spot. And this year, they couldn’t play in.

Early October 2025, supporter group Orlando City UK, an official international supporter group, sounded their clarion about the front office’s first strong volley. Unfortunately, this attempted player acquisition just extended the organization’s off-season misery.

In this report, Orlando’s General Manager and Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira negotiated with the London-based camp of striker Richarlison. He’s the key forward of Tottenham Hotspur FC.

But the October report of Orlando City UK found that Moreira had left the negotiations. ESPN Brazil and social media reports support the report. The reported roadblock to acquiring the talented striker is Tottenham's price, which is equivalent to $46 million (U.S.).

It doesn’t take very much research to discover that the Premier League team wants to hang onto the Brazilian player more than any team wants to acquire him. Richarlison is credited with leading their team to the UEFA Europa League trophy in May 2025.

The important thing is that the Lions staff knows which players will drive them back in the right direction. This site has reported other players attracting attention on the market that won’t help Orlando City get the mojo back. The club doesn’t look like they’re going for them.

So what will the Orlando City SC pitch look like next season? As we find out, it should look like a winning team again.