Orlando City SC made a bold behind-the-scenes move to bring forward Richarlison to the United States and make him the face of the club ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the MLS season. The plan included a long-term contract, a clear sporting project, and the promise of a starring role in a fast-growing market. But the European market reality prevailed. The English club set a €40 million price tag, and the forward made it clear he has no plans to leave the Premier League at this stage.
Orlando’s move
The push was led by Ricardo Moreira, Orlando’s general manager, who traveled to London to meet with the player’s representatives. The proposal positioned Richarlison at the center of something bigger than just a signing. The idea was to build a strong brand around a Brazilian star, capitalizing on the World Cup buzz and the rapid growth of the Brazilian community in Florida.
The timing made sense. The arrival of international stars has been reshaping Major League Soccer, and clubs that move early will have an edge when the market takes off. Orlando sees a clear opening to boost its profile, compete with neighbor Inter Miami CF, and expand its fan base.
But when Tottenham. set the €40 million asking price, talks came to a halt, according to ESPN. For MLS standards, that amount is out of reach, especially under the league’s current financial structure.
Tottenham stand firm and Richarlison stays put
On the English side, the stance was clear. Richarlison is under contract until December 2027 and, at 28, still sees himself competing at the highest level. Despite outside interest, he’s chosen to stay with the club, where he’s scored three goals and recorded one assist in 13 appearances this season. His decision is tied to staying in the mix for the Brazilian national team and arriving at the 2026 World Cup in peak form.
With the price set high and no interest from the player in leaving Europe, negotiations never advanced. For Orlando, it was another reminder of how far the Premier League’s star market is from MLS’s financial reality.