Many suitors after Orlando City winger Facundo Torres | OneFootball

First, start with the only thing we know for sure. Facundo Torres signed a new contract with Orlando City SC in January 2024 through 2026 with club options through 2028.

Then Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras showed up.

Goal reported that Orlando City and the Brazilian club agreed to a record transfer deal for Torres.

The great Lions-Pride podcast Loud and Proud Orlando has slowed the swirl of rumors, bringing news that something stalled Palmeiras from inking Torres.

Also, Cruz Azul of Liga MX and FC Porto of Portugal have expressed interest in the winger. Of those two clubs, Porto fits Torres’ stated interest in playing in Europe. His agent recently visited the club.

With Torres and his teammates, Orlando City achieved more this season than ever by advancing to the MLS Eastern Conference final match. Porto has achieved much in their competition, as well.

This year, they made the UEFA Europa League knockout phase of their tournament. As of this posting, the club has a record of 1-2-2 (W-L-D).

They are even on goals so far, scoring 10 and conceding as many. They’ve enjoyed one clean sheet, a nearly 50% possession rate, and a passing accuracy of 85.6%.

They are among the most decorated Portuguese teams, with seven trophies. They’re one of two to win the league twice with no defeats.

Nov 9, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City forward Facundo Torres (10) reacts after making a penalty kick in a round of penalty kicks against the Charlotte FC in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

In international competitions, they are solely the most decorated of Portuguese soccer squads. They twice won the European Cup/UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup/Europa League and Intercontinental Cup. They won the UEFA Super Cup in 1987.

All of these possibilities orbit around Facundo Torres. Yet, at this posting, he remains under contract with Orlando City SC and the club is in talks about how to make him happy to stay with the squad.

This year supporters and teammates alike marveled at the Summer of Facu.

In fact, in spring, summer, and fall he excelled in passing and finishing against all opponents. It didn’t matter if he played left, center, or right as a forward or attacking midfielder. He finished the MLS season with 14 goals and six assists. He is the team’s all-time leading career scorer with 47 goals across all competitions.

No suitor’s offers are off the table for Facundo Torres at this posting. But the talks to make him happy staying with Orlando City SC are ongoing at this table, as well.

And the Lions have a winning season. It’s not over yet.