Man Utd transfer news: Marcus Rashford exit route blocked as January target rejects move​

Orlando City SC sent forward Facundo Torres to Brazil‘s Palmeiras for a reported club-record $14 million transfer fee on Friday.

The 24-year-old Uruguayan departs as the MLS franchise’s all-time leading scorer after tallying 47 goals and 25 assists in 123 matches across all competitions from 2022-24.

“First, we want to thank Facu for everything he has done for this club. He has been involved in so many great moments and successes during his time here that will leave a lasting legacy in our history,” Orlando City general manager Luiz Muzzi said.

“Because of that success, Facu has generated the attention of the global market, and this is a move that, at this time, makes sense for both Facundo and Orlando City. Not only does this continue a great and established relationship with a successful club in Palmeiras, but it shows our success in developing young talent into world stars.”

Torres guided the Lions to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup title and the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs’ Eastern Conference final.

Torres joined Orlando City as a young designated player in January 2022 for a $7.5 million transfer fee from Peñarol in his native Uruguay.

“Today I say goodbye to a club that marked an unforgettable stage in my career and in my life, my first experience as a professional away from home. Thank you to the staff, my teammates and all the people who are part of this club for the constant support and trust from the first day,” Torres said.

“I leave with pride for what we achieved together and with the satisfaction of having left my mark on this club that will always be special to me. I wish you the greatest success in the future. Thank you for everything, Orlando. I’ll miss you.”

Torres’ departure opens a designated player spot on Orlando City’s 2025 roster.

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany and RB Leipzig counterpart Marco Rose struggled to discuss Bayern’s 5-1 victory on Friday and a planned Christmas ceremony at the Allianz Arena was cut short after a vehicle was driven into crowds at a market in the northeastern German city of Magdeburg.

Authorities described the incident as a deliberate attack. It occurred approximately one hour before the start of the Bundesliga match, leaving at least two people dead and 60 others injured.

“It’s almost impossible to talk about football tonight. Right now the people in Magdeburg are in our thoughts,” Kompany said.

“Hopefully, at some point there will be peace, not only in Germany but everywhere. We won today, but I hope next year there will be more wins for peace.”

The two people confirmed dead were an adult and a toddler, but officials said additional deaths couldn’t be ruled out because 15 people had been seriously injured.

“I’ve heard the news from Magdeburg, it makes all things appear in a different light,” Rose said.

“Yes, we played football. Yes, we lost clearly and deservedly. Benjamin Henrichs may have a serious ankle injury, but a few other things happened today that aren’t nice.”

The Christmas ceremony that Bayern had originally planned to be held after the Leipzig match was canceled.

Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen asked fans at the Allianz Arena to observe a minute of silence to honor the Magdeburg victims.

“We had completely different ideas about me standing here,” Dreesen told the players and fans.

“We learned about the events in Magdeburg during the match. That’s why we decided to abandon the Christmas ceremony. I would like to ask you to remember the relatives.”

On the pitch, the game had an extraordinary start when Jamal Musiala put Bayern ahead after 28 seconds, only for Benjamin Sesco to equalise just over a minute later.

Bayern, however, dominated after that, leading 3-1 at halftime through Konrad Laimar and Joshua Kimmich, before Leroy Sané and Alphonso Davies completed the rout to send them seven points clear at the top of the table.

Information from Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.