The man behind the Richarlison bid to MLS: Ricardo Moreira has Orlando City thinking "BIG" | OneFootball

Richarlison is once again one of the hottest names in the global transfer market — and this time, the next chapter might unfold in Major League Soccer.

According to reports across Europe and South America, Orlando City SC has reignited its pursuit of the Tottenham Hotspur and Brazil national team striker, hoping to make him the club’s marquee signing ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

But behind the headlines is a deeper story — one that centers not on the player, but on the man pulling the strings: Ricardo Moreira, Orlando’s General Manager and Sporting Director, and one of the most quietly influential executives in MLS.

The Pitch: More Than Just Money

Orlando reportedly sent Moreira to London to personally present a career-defining proposal to Richarlison’s camp — one built around leadership, marketing power, and World Cup preparation. Sources say the pitch included a Designated Player role, a chance to be “the face of the franchise”, and alignment with Orlando’s rising competitiveness on the field.

Tottenham, however, reportedly value the 28-year-old forward at around €40 million (~$46M USD) — a price that exceeds standard MLS DP structures and may require creative mechanisms or delayed execution. He is also a key player in the Tottenham camp which makes him invaluable for the Club's interests.

Still, talks remain active. According to Fabrizio Romano, Orlando remains in close contact with Richarlison’s representatives and may push harder, when World Cup hype reaches its peak and Richarlison’s situation at Spurs may shift.

Why Richarlison? Why Orlando?

There’s more here than just footballing upside. Richarlison trained in the Orlando area as a teenager, giving this potential move a unique emotional pull. Now, as a seasoned international with 52 caps and 20 goals for Brazil, he could return as a global star — not just to compete, but to lead.

He’s still under contract with Tottenham until June 2027, where he’s contributed 3 goals and 1 assist in 13 matches this season under Thomas Frank. But if Spurs stumble or Orlando increases its offer, momentum could shift quickly.

Who Is Ricardo Moreira?

Moreira — or “Rico,” as he’s often called — has quietly built one of the most effective front offices in MLS. After helping Columbus Crew reach an MLS Cup Final and Eastern Conference Final between 2015 and 2018, he joined Orlando in late 2018 and has overseen a complete transformation.Promoted to General Manager in 2024, his recent wins include:

Moreira is known for targeting undervalued assets, pushing strategic signings, and working quietly but aggressively in the market. That reputation is now on display again with the Richarlison pursuit.

Orlando City has had a history of legendary Brazilian players like Kaká and Pato in its roster (Orlando City / X)

This could position Orlando City as a global player and the City of Orlando as a hub for competitive soccer in the United States. In a league chasing momentum off the back of Messi-mania, LAFC's Son Heung-min incredible arrival in MLS, and Inter Miami headlines for let's face it, every little thing, Moreira’s play for Richarlison is a power move in a City that fights for space in the busy state that is Florida.

Make no mistake, though. This is also a calculated bet: bring in one of Brazil’s most marketable forwards to a city with a massive Brazilian community, build toward 2026, and elevate the franchise’s visibility both domestically and abroad.

For now, however, Richarlison remains a Tottenham player. But should this move happen, it wouldn’t just redefine Orlando City’s future — it would give Ricardo Moreira’s legacy one major bump, as of the most visionary executives in MLS.