Over the past few years, there has been growing support for top USMNT talent to leave their European clubs for more minutes in the MLS. Though that may not be the right move for every star for the United States, it might be the right move for a player like Gio Reyna.
Reyna has had career and character struggles that have followed him from the 2022 Qatar World Cup to Dortmund, where he has struggled to find the pitch.
At 22 years old and his prime still in front of him, could a move to America help him get back on track, or is there no stopping his career free fall?
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How a Move to the MLS can Reset his Career
Reyna showed promise as a teen when he was viewed as a can’t miss prospect in the USMNT pool, similar to Christian Pulisic, who has enjoyed a solid career in AC Milan.
Reyna has had his moments in Dortmund, but ultimately has struggled to become a starter for one of Germany’s top clubs. The young American has gotten minutes early on in big moments but has failed to become a starter.
Moving to the MLS would guarantee a spot as a starter on almost every team in the league. If Reyna were to become a designated player, he would most definitely be a starter if a team believes he is worth that much.
Getting time as a starter for a year or two would be huge in his development, to then get back to playing for a top club in Europe.
Going to the MLS at 22 after being a highly talked-about prospect isn’t the ideal path for most players. Right now, it is the path that makes the most sense for Reyna.
How a Move to the MLS can break his Career
The MLS has improved its talent level since it become a league in the late 90s. It is still not as competitive on terms of talent with Europe quite yet.
This fact could hurt Reyna, especially if he is not playing well. It could remove him from consideration for a USMNT roster spot that he once held.
A move to a smaller European team that believes in his talents could do more for him. Moving to a small club in Italy like Como or Monza could be a good change of pace for the former top prospect.
The style of play in Italy or Spain could also benefit him. Reyna is a great passer who can gel well with highly talented players.
Spain’s style of play, which allows a more creative style of play unseen in any other league, could help Reyna change his outlook on the game and improve his style of play.
Where could he land in the MLS?
There are a few potential spots for Reyna that would make sense in America. One team that has expressed interest in Reyna has recently freed up a DP spot that he could fill.
LAFC feels like the perfect fit for Reyna, a competitive team that has a ton of talent, would be great for the midfield who loves to fit in the 10 slot and control the game.
Reyna pairing up with Denis Bouanga could be what the young American needs to get back on track and back in the good graces of the USA coaching staff. Bouanga is one of the best scorers in the league, making a pairing with Reyna that much more important.
LAFC is also a top team in the league, trying to fight for a top spot in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Though USMNT fans may want him to stay in a top league in Europe to keep playing with some of the best talent in the world, it is clear that Reyna’s time in Dortmund is over. A move to the MLS does have its pluses and minuses.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO / pepphoto
Recording Date 14.12.2024