Gio Reyna has been told to consider a transfer to MLS before returning to Europe in 2026, with career advice offered by a former USMNT star.
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Disappointing loan spell in England Bundesliga employers open to offersTold to consider move back homeGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The 21-year-old playmaker has endured a testing 2024, with a Premier League move made in January after being deemed surplus to requirements at Borussia Dortmund. He failed to make an impact with Nottingham Forest, before then forming part of a collective flop while on Copa America duty.
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Dortmund are reportedly open to offers, with MLS legend and ex-USMNT midfielder Sacha Kljestan telling of why ambitious Atlanta United could be the perfect landing spot for Reyna: “We saw him not getting minutes at Dortmund, then going on loan to Nottingham Forest, didn't really get enough minutes there. This way he plays week in, week out for two years straight, shows how good he is in MLS and makes a transfer back to Europe at 23 years old, after the 2026 World Cup. I think it's a no-brainer. It's going to cost Atlanta United some money, but I think it would be really good for him personally. And we've seen what he's done with the national team. The kid has quality. Bring him back home. Let him be the centrepiece of Atlanta United for the next two years leading up to the World Cup. He needs playing time. He will get you assists. He will set up plays.”
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Kljestan has also suggested that Atlanta should be looking into a deal for a man that has spent time on the books at Manchester United and Barcelona. He added on pairing Reyna with an experienced Netherlands international: “Memphis Depay is a free striker right now. Atlanta United, go out and get Memphis Depay. That's a starting No. 9. He's 30 years old, available on a free transfer. You're not going to recoup any money in the transfer market on that, but he's guaranteed to get you goals. If you put those two together on Atlanta, and they can find their way back into the play-off picture, I don't think anybody in the East will want to see Atlanta United with those two in a play-off match-up because they're both game-winners.”
WHAT NEXT?
Weston McKennie has also been advised to consider a return to his homeland, as he generates exit talk at Serie A giants Juventus, but both have experienced the best of what Europe has to offer and may not want to head back to their roots at this stage of their respective careers.