Brotherly Game Daily Links: Union head to New England to face familiar foe

Philadelphia Union News

Know Your Enemy | Union travel to Eastern Conference leading Revs
Philly and New England have crossed paths just once in 2021 but the budding rivalry still exists after facing off six times in 2020. In the latest chapter of the two sides back in May, it was once more a gritty affair that ended in a 1-1 deadlock that was full of late drama. 

With the Champions League looming, Jim Curtin might rest some Union veterans vs. New England
Sunday’s game is the kind where if it was the NBA, Joel Embiid might have a “load management” night. The Union might not admit it, but rest assured they know it.

MLS News

MLS Game Night: TFC-NYCFC, Timbers-RSL, and more
Major League Soccer was back in action last night with a seven-game schedule headlined by New York City FC’s trip to Toronto to take on a full-strength TFC side at BMO Field.

Thiago Almada to join Atlanta United in January, per reports
Esteemed journalist Cesar Luis Merlo out of Argentina reported on Friday that the deal is all but wrapped up but due to paperwork issues, most notably Almada not being able to obtain a visa until September, it won’t be officially completed until the winter transfer window opens.

Colorado Rapids sign Brazilian leftback Lucas Esteves on loan from Palmeiras
A native of São Paulo, Brazil, Esteves joined Palmeiras’ U-15 side in 2014 and debuted for the senior team in 2019. Since then, he tallied 27 appearances and recorded one goal. In 2020, Palmeiras won the Copa Libertadores, Copa do Brasil, and Campeonato Paulista.

Rest of the World News

Tearful Lionel Messi bids goodbye to Barcelona; sources say PSG deal agreed
The Argentina forward said he had received several calls from clubs since the news broke, confirming PSG’s interest, and multiple sources have told ESPN that he has already agreed to sign for the Ligue 1 side.

Chelsea close to signing Romelu Lukaku in €115m deal from Inter Milan
Details are yet to be finalised in terms of a payment plan, but personal terms are not thought to be an issue. Sources have told ESPN that Lukaku’s salary is in the region of £250,000 a week.