Richarlison to Orlando City? MLS Club Makes Bold Play for Spurs Star
ORLANDO, FL – October 8, 2025 – In a move that could send ripples through Major League Soccer, Orlando City SC is making a serious push to land Tottenham Hotspur and Brazil national team striker Richarlison. The pursuit, spearheaded by the club’s quietly influential General Manager and Sporting Director, Ricardo Moreira, represents a significant power play as MLS looks to capitalize on the momentum generated by global soccer stars.
Beyond the Transfer Fee: A Career-Defining Pitch
Reports from Europe and South America indicate that Orlando City isn’t simply offering a lucrative contract. Instead, Moreira personally delivered a comprehensive proposal to Richarlison’s camp in London, focusing on a role that extends far beyond the pitch. The pitch centers around making Richarlison “the face of the franchise,” a Designated Player with leadership responsibilities, and a strategic pathway to peak form ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted in North America. This isn’t just about money; it’s about building a legacy.
Tottenham currently values the 28-year-old forward at around €40 million (~$46M USD), a figure that presents a challenge given standard MLS Designated Player rules. However, sources suggest Orlando is prepared to explore creative financial mechanisms to make the deal happen. Richarlison has contributed 3 goals and 1 assist in 13 matches this season under Thomas Frank, proving his continued value to Spurs, making a transfer even more complex.
Artist’s rendering of Richarlison potentially wearing an Orlando City jersey.
Why Richarlison? Why Now?
The timing of this pursuit is no accident. With the 2026 World Cup looming, and the United States becoming an increasingly important soccer market, bringing in a Brazilian superstar like Richarlison offers a unique opportunity. But the connection runs deeper than just World Cup preparation. Richarlison actually trained in the Orlando area as a teenager, creating a personal link that could sway his decision. This return would be a full-circle moment, transforming him from a promising youth player to a global icon in a city he once called home.
Richarlison’s arrival would also tap into Orlando’s large and passionate Brazilian community, instantly boosting the club’s profile and fan base. Orlando City has previously hosted Brazilian stars like Kaká and Pato, but Richarlison represents a different caliber of player – a current, established international with a proven track record in the Premier League. He’s a player who can genuinely elevate the league’s profile.
Ricardo Moreira: The Architect of Orlando’s Rise
While Richarlison’s name is grabbing headlines, the real story might be Ricardo Moreira. Since joining Orlando City in 2018, Moreira has quietly orchestrated a remarkable transformation. His resume speaks for itself: a 2022 U.S. Open Cup victory, three consecutive playoff appearances, and shrewd player transactions like the $10M+ sale of Duncan McGuire to Blackburn Rovers and the signing of Luis Muriel. Moreira’s strength lies in identifying undervalued talent and building a cohesive, competitive squad. He’s known for his strategic approach and relentless pursuit of success.
Moreira’s scouting network, particularly in South America, has consistently delivered impactful players like Gallese, Facundo Torres, and César Araújo. His ability to unearth hidden gems and integrate them into the team has been crucial to Orlando’s recent success. This pursuit of Richarlison is simply the latest example of his ambitious vision for the club.
MLS’s Global Ambitions and the Messi Effect
Orlando’s pursuit of Richarlison comes at a pivotal moment for MLS. The league is riding a wave of momentum fueled by the arrival of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami and the recent signing of Son Heung-min to LAFC. These high-profile signings have dramatically increased the league’s global visibility and attracted a new generation of fans. Moreira understands that securing a player of Richarlison’s stature would further solidify MLS’s position on the world soccer stage.
The competition for attention in Florida’s crowded sports market is fierce. Bringing in a global superstar like Richarlison would not only elevate Orlando City’s brand but also position the city as a premier soccer destination in the United States. It’s a calculated risk with the potential for a massive payoff.
For now, Richarlison remains a Tottenham player, and the situation is fluid. But the intensity of Orlando City’s pursuit, driven by Ricardo Moreira’s vision, suggests that this transfer saga is far from over. The coming months will be crucial as the club attempts to convince one of Brazil’s brightest stars to embark on a new chapter in Orlando.
