Believe it or not, there was a point in time where Gio Reyna was looked at as the future of US soccer. The second-generation prodigy had all the tools to succeed and all the hype surrounding him. Without a doubt, he could have become the best player in the history of the USMNT. Today, however, his career has seemingly stalled as he struggles to find consistent minutes in Europe. That is why it breaks my heart to say this, but it might be time for Gio Reyna to come back to America.

If he wants to continue to be a focal point in this USMNT squad, he will need regular playing time. I truly believe that MLS would be a solid spot for him to restart his career. A return to MLS could serve as a way to get himself back into rhythm, following the 2026 World Cup. Coming into the 2026 World Cup, he’s only 23 years old, and has plenty of time left. With that time, he has options, and when the next transfer window opens he should have plenty of teams interested.

He is still young and reliable but is being wasted on the bench of several high-caliber European squads. He is in desperate need of a fresh start and new surroundings. Which is why MLS might be the career rejuvenation he has been searching for. Gio Reyna’s career once seemed destined for superstardom. After breaking out at Borussia Dortmund around Covid, Reyna lit the US soccer world on fire. As he was another special player in a generation full of them. He also had the highest potential of all of them at the time as well.

Where Gio Reyna Stands

Reyna would end up making 105 appearances for Dortmund between 2020 and 2025. In 2024 he would go on a loan spell with Nottingham Forest. It was supposed to be a move that led to him receiving more playing time. But he only ended up making nine appearances for the English club. In his final year with Dortmund he would only see 341 minutes, and he had minimal impact when he did play.

Following the 2025 season, he would make a permanent move to Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, through their first 25 games, he has only made 13 appearances and has registered no meaningful stats. Which only further proves it might be time for him to leave Germany permanently. 

Where Should Gio Reyna Go? 

Major League Soccer

Well, I think the clear and obvious answer is playing in MLS. This is a move that would lead to him getting consistent playing time, which is something he hasn’t had in years. It is likely that he would end up in a big city like LA, New York, or perhaps even Philadelphia. Then the league could make him a focal point and market him as the biggest star. Which would have a positive impact for both sides. It would also help rebuild his confidence if he were able to get consistent scoring numbers within MLS. 

Serie A

Yes, I know it sounds a bit hypocritical after saying he’s been wasting away on European benches. But I truly believe Gio Reyna could succeed at a mid-table Serie A side like Parma or Torino under the right guidance. He has had previous links to Parma in the past, and I feel like he would do well in Serie A. It would also allow Reyna to play in a more defensively focused league, which is one part of his game he needs to work on, in my opinion.

La Liga

See the previous entry for the opening line, but he has been linked to Real Sociedad in the past as well. He would also be playing under an American manager in a very technical league, which fits his style. Remaining in the top five would likely be a huge selling point for Gio Reyna. As he would still be facing world-class competition every week, he would find himself getting more time on the pitch. Which is something he desperately needs right now. 

Conclusion