Following two challenging seasons plagued by setbacks, Gio Reyna has officially departed from Borussia Dortmund. His new destination is Borussia Mönchengladbach, a move that keeps him within the Bundesliga, just an hour`s journey away. Reyna has signed a contract with Gladbach extending until the summer of 2028.
At just 22 years old, Reyna once showed incredible potential, making his debut for Dortmund`s senior squad at only 17. However, he struggled to maintain his position and fell out of favor with various coaches. A loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League also failed to reignite his career. This transfer comes at a crucial time for Reyna, particularly with the next World Cup less than a year away.
Although Mönchengladbach isn`t participating in the Champions League this season, the club has a history of European competition and likely views Reyna as a key signing to help them return to that level. The move also reunites him with close friend and fellow American Joe Scally, who has become a vital part of Gladbach`s team since transferring from New York City FC, where he and Reyna trained together in the academy. Both players share the ambition of securing a spot in the USMNT squad for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted on home soil.
Having both been part of the 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar, their inclusion for 2026 seemed a given. However, Reyna`s recent form means he has considerable work ahead to impress USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino. Gladbach offers him a fresh start to achieve this. Reyna`s last appearance for the national team was in the Concacaf Nations League third-place match in March, and he missed this summer`s Gold Cup due to Dortmund`s commitments at the Club World Cup.
Despite Dortmund`s participation, Reyna saw minimal playing time at the Club World Cup, appearing for just 12 minutes. This represented another missed chance to build crucial chemistry with the national team. Now, with this chapter closed, Reyna joins a Gladbach side that finished 10th in the Bundesliga last season and is eager to climb higher.
Competition for Playing Time at Gladbach
In central midfield, Reyna`s primary competition will be Kevin Stoger, who managed only three goals and four assists last season. Alassane Plea, another player who featured in the No. 10 role, has since moved to PSV, suggesting an opening for Reyna in the midfield. On the flanks, Robin Hack and Franck Honorat shared playing time, each contributing seven assists. While displacing them might be challenging, Reyna`s inherent talent indicates he could secure a regular starting spot, provided he maintains his fitness.
Reyna must prove his worth to earn a place in the starting XI. However, considering no Gladbach player recorded more than seven assists last season, his exceptional ball skills and creative flair will be invaluable. Compared to a potential transfer to Parma in Serie A, this move to Gladbach offers a greater sense of familiarity and comfort, which is crucial as time is of the essence for Reyna this year. He will aim to make an immediate impact, a task made easier in a familiar country with a close friend by his side. Now, it`s up to Reyna to fully capitalize on this opportunity and unleash the special talent he undeniably possesses.
