After two challenging seasons marred by setbacks, talented American midfielder Gio Reyna is making a pivotal move from Borussia Dortmund. His new destination won`t take him far, as he heads just over an hour away to Borussia Mönchengladbach, securing a deal until the summer of 2028 and ensuring his continued presence in the highly competitive Bundesliga.
Despite being only 22, Reyna had previously showcased immense potential, remarkably breaking into Dortmund`s first team at just 17. However, he subsequently struggled to maintain his position, falling out of favor with multiple coaching regimes. Even a loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League proved insufficient to reignite his career. This transfer arrives at an opportune moment, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming less than a year away, offering him a crucial opportunity for revitalization.
While Mönchengladbach isn`t competing in the Champions League this season, the club boasts a history of European participation and likely views Reyna as a key addition to help them return to continental competition. The move also facilitates a reunion with close friend Joe Scally, a fellow American talent who has become an integral part of Gladbach`s lineup since joining from New York City FC, where both players developed through the academy. This duo, who have maintained a strong bond, shares the common ambition of securing a spot on the USMNT`s 2026 World Cup squad, which will be played on home soil.
Both Reyna and Scally were widely expected to be integral figures for the USMNT after their joint participation in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. However, given Reyna`s recent career trajectory, he now faces the significant task of impressing Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT head coach, for the upcoming tournament. This transfer undoubtedly offers him a clean slate. Reyna`s last appearance for the national team was in the Concacaf Nations League third-place match in March; he subsequently missed the Gold Cup this summer due to Borussia Dortmund`s commitments at the Club World Cup.
Nevertheless, Reyna saw minimal playing time during the Club World Cup, featuring for only 12 minutes. This represented another missed opportunity to build crucial chemistry with the national squad. With those past disappointments now behind him, Reyna joins a Mönchengladbach side that concluded the last Bundesliga season in 10th place and is determined to achieve significant improvement.
Who will Reyna compete with at Gladbach?
In the central midfield, Reyna`s direct competition will primarily be Kevin Stöger, who recorded a modest three goals and four assists last season. Alassane Plea, who also spent some time in the attacking midfield role (number 10) last season, has since departed for PSV, thereby creating a clear opening for Reyna in the midfield. On the wing, Robin Hack and Franck Honorat shared playing time, with both contributing seven assists apiece. While these two might prove harder to displace from the starting XI, Reyna`s inherent talent and creative flair suggest he could become a regular starter if he maintains his fitness and consistency.
Reyna will need to unequivocally demonstrate his value to earn a consistent spot in the lineup. Considering that no Mönchengladbach player registered more than seven assists last season, Reyna`s exceptional on-ball ability and creative playmaking will be an invaluable asset to the team. When compared to a potential alternative move, such as to Parma in Serie A, this transfer offers greater comfort and familiarity, factors that are crucial for Reyna at a time when his World Cup aspirations demand immediate impact. Being in a known country with a supportive friend by his side makes it significantly easier to hit the ground running. Now, Reyna must seize this playing time and fully unleash the special talent he possesses.
