GOAL US writers debate Gio Reyna's future, whether Tim Weah should transfer, and which megastar might move to MLS
So, Gio Reyna probably needs to leave Borussia Dortmund. The American playmaker has been in and out of the side for over a year now, a mixture of injuries and manager's selections making him a bit-part player in the Bundesliga. This was known for some time.
And after Mauricio Pochettino said that he wanted to play with a No. 10 in his new system, the need for more minutes was only further crystallized. But how does this all work, and where does he go? He might have to accept a step down in quality. Then again, with a new manager soon to arrive following the sacking of Nuri Sahin, he might just have an impetus to stick around.
Tim Weah's situation seems more well-established – if equally unstable. He yet to earn himself consistent minutes under Thiago Motta, despite turning in a few solid performances. That has been the story of his career – a series of almost successes at European-level clubs. He, too, may need to go elsewhere – but speculation of an Everton switch might not be so prudent.
And elsewhere, MLS seemingly has all-but missed out on Neymar. Talk of a Chicago Fire move has quieted, and it appears near-inevitable that he will sign a six month deal to play for his boyhood club, Santos. Where does that leave MLS now? Does the league need another megastar this January? It will make for interesting debate.
Finally, Jack McGlynn has impressed for the USMNT, including a stunner of a goal in a friendly vs. Venezuela last weekend. Is it time for him to leave the Philadelphia Union and look to play in Europe? And is he ready for a step up in quality? These are all intriguing questions as the world of soccer continues to turn.
GOAL US writers discuss all of that and more in the latest edition of… The Rondo.
Is Reyna USMNT's next No. 10? Does Dortmund coaching move change anything?
Tom Hindle: On talent alone, there's no doubt. He's the most technically gifted player in the USMNT setup not named Christian Pulisic. But being naturally good alone doesn't guarantee success (see Oscar for more.) There are all sorts of concerns here: injuries, attitude, a lack of playing time at club level. Even a new manager can't fix the fundamentals. What Reyna needs is stability, and a new boss coming in – unless it's a return from Jurgen bloody Klopp (not happening) – isn't going to help. He probably needs to go somewhere a little out of the spotlight, if possible. He's still young enough so that a lateral – or perhaps even lesser – move could suit his game. Go play somewhere for a couple of years and then get the big move everyone sort of knows you're good enough to get. Poch will be watching.
Jacob Schneider: Regardless of Sahin’s sacking, leave, leave, leave. Leave, leave, leave. However, for the love of all things soccer, don't let outside sources influence your move like last January. Find an actual, proper fit, a coach who appreciates you and a team that needs you. Gio has constantly shown his class for club and country, but it's time to leave Dortmund so that he shows it consistently. A move to a different club in Germany, or perhaps Italy, could be career-changing for him. He's still just 21, but it's time to go.
Alex Labidou: The on-and-off nature of Reyna at Dortmund needs to mercifully come to an end. It is hampering the development of a player who could arguably be the second – or even the best – American soccer player at the moment if he was playing consistently and building confidence. Reyna's management and Dortmund need to find a way to amicably split. The "will-he-go?" conversation every transfer window is becoming cumbersome at best, and detrimental to his career at worst. Yes, Sahin’s departure could signal a fresh start but it feels like this is a conversation every time Dortmund change their manager. A fresh start somewhere else is desperately needed for Reyna.
Ryan Tolmich: If the Milan interest is real, get your stuff packed and hope. That seems as if would be a good landing spot for Reyna, who would have the comfort of playing with two USMNT teammates. Milan have also been a great place for players in need of a fresh start, which is something Reyna really does need. Maybe the new coach coming in at Dortmund gives that to him, but we've heard that talk before, haven't we?
AdvertisementGettyIf Neymar bypasses MLS, what global star should league target?
TH: Tough to say. The idea is to go for a mega star, right? And there aren't loads on the market at the moment. Let's start with the pipe dream and say Cristiano Ronaldo. There are scattered reports that the Portuguese star has signed a new contract at Al Nassr, but nothing concrete. It is known that Sporting KC – yes, you read that right – made a serious push for him a couple of years ago. Why not take another stab? It would actually melt America. In the land of realism, MLS probably keeps its powder dry for the next six months before perhaps going after Neymar in July (similarly to what Miami did with Messi in 2023.) Kevin De Bruyne and Antoine Griezmann have also been linked, but neither really moves the needle – Griezmann is one of football's great underrated players, but he isn't selling shirts. There's no unreal need to rush this thing, especially if Messi sticks around until 2026. By then, a certain Christian Pulisic might just be tempted to triple his salary.
JS: The Chicago Fire's interest in Neymar was a valiant effort, but it always felt like it was Miami, one of the LA teams or bust. With that assumption in hand, Miami have an open DP spot and have money to play with. With the Argentine contingent already growing in South Beach, it would be fascinating to see them target a player such as Paulo Dybala. One of the LA teams, meanwhile, could be the destination for Griezmann. Another name to watch, though, is Alexandre Lacazette, who is out of contract this summer with Lyon.
AL: Neymar's reported move to Santos is a backbreaker for MLS, which needs stars to drive viewers. There isn't a like-for-like replacement for Neymar, who is injury-prone but still in his prime. His popularity is at a scope that only two others can match or exceed: Messi and Ronaldo. So why not sign Ronaldo? Listen, he's not everyone's cup of tea – but one could make an argument he's been a better ambassador for the Saudi League than Messi has been for MLS.
Soccer fans around the world know exactly how he feels about playing in the Middle East. Messi has given less than a handful of media appearances since joining MLS and has said nothing of substance about playing in North America's top flight. If Ronaldo arrives, he would be a running advertisement for MLS akin to what David Beckham did when he arrived. Only issue, similar to Neymar, is there are other suitors. Al-Nassar reportedly offered him $573,000 a day to stay. Offer him a similar package to Messi's and see if that's enough to change his mind.
RT: De Bruyne is the most linked one, yeah? The Manchester City star has been tied to San Diego FC, which would certainly make that team a whole lot of fun. Spreading the wealth is good, and not every star can land with Messi in Miami. So, in general, it would be nice to see teams like the Fire and San Diego really push to bring in a big name. De Bruyne makes as much sense as any from an on- and off-field perspective, and it would be fun to see him ping passes around the field in MLS.
Getty ImagesShould USMNT breakout McGlynn go to Europe?
TH: Chill, please. Jack McGlynn is a solid footballer. But, lads, it's a backup Venezuela team. McGlynn is a funny player. He strikes the ball so well, and can certainly pick a pass. But he's a woeful athlete. It puts him in a weird spot: not technically good enough for a top European league, but not athletic enough to serve alone in an engine room in MLS. Stick around with Philly for a couple more years and see what happens.
JS: McGlynn is in a similar situation to Aidan Morris when he left the Columbus Crew for Middlesbrough last summer. He is one hundred percent ready for Europe, but the move has to be perfect for him, if he has 2026 ambitions with the USMNT. For Morris, he was immediately a member of the XI until he was hit with an injury in November. In McGlynn's situation, he needs to find a landing spot that is both at a competitive level, and one where there is an opening in the midfield. If he can find that, move to Europe, absolutely. If not, another year won't hurt.
AL: Let's not get ahead of ourselves. McGlynn hasn't necessarily shown that he's even an MLS star yet, but he definitely has the potential to be a star stateside – and potentially abroad – in the future. Yet, there are still wrinkles for the midfielder to work on, including athleticism and building strength. The smart move is to put together a dominant season or two in MLS, shine when given opportunities with USMNT, and hope that's enough to earn a ticket to 2026.
RT: Give it a few more months. This feels like a discussion to revisit in the summer, which is almost always a better time for players to make the big hop to Europe. If McGlynn is out of challenges in MLS by then, it would be a good time to start fresh with a new team with a year-long run up until the World Cup. That's plenty of time. Moving to soon is a risk. So too is moving too late. This summer, if all goes to plan, could be just right.
GettyShould Weah move on from Juventus?
TH: At some point you probably have to ask what Weah's level is. The winger/midfielder/striker/defender has made a career off being sort of good at multiple big clubs – without really settling in one spot. His USMNT career has been mixed, too, with a silly red card in Copa America his only lasting moment for his country. Juve don't seem sold on him, so it does appear to be the right time for a move. Serie A might remain a good spot, but he might be more regular minutes at Fiorentina than occasional spells off the bench for Juve. And there's nothing wrong with that whatsoever. As for Everton… lol.
JS: Not to Everton, surely. However, a move to a similar UCL caliber and title-contending club wouldn't hurt if he's guaranteed game time and starting minutes. The thing about Weah is he just needs consistency, and perhaps, a manager who has a little faith in him game-in and game-out. Staying with Juventus makes a ton of sense, too, though. He's comfortable, plays rather regularly – although he should be rewarded with a starting role more often due to his production rate – and in general, seems to be adored by the fans. It's a good fit, so a move should not be forced.
AL: Weah potentially leaving Juventus is intriguing, but a move to Everton seems far from ideal. The club has been poorly run in recent years, narrowly avoiding relegation each season. While the Toffees now have new American owners in the Friedkin Group and a state-of-the-art stadium under construction at Bramley-Moore Dock, they still exude chaos. It’s also worth noting that the Friedkin Group has left AS Roma in disarray since taking over. If Weah is considering a move, he should prioritize a more stable situation or continue fighting for his place at Juventus.
RT: Absolutely not. It's hard to find a good thing on the club level, and Weah has a good thing. He's a legitimate contributor for a gigantic team, and there should only be a handful of clubs that should be able to tempt him to leave Juve. Of course, the Premier League money makes a difference, but that Championship money doesn't hit so sweet. Because of that, Everton should be ruled out immediately while any other Premier League team outside of the big boys should be treated with skepticism given his current role at Juve.