USMNT: Reggie Cannon must jump at European chance
Reggie Cannon is being linked with a move to several European clubs. The FC Dallas and USMNT defender must jump at the chance to move across the pond and fulfil his career.
Reggie Cannon wants to compete with the very best. He wants to eventually be the best. But to reach that level, in football, there is only one place for Americans to go: Europe.
While Major League Soccer is an improving league, its level in quality is comparable to the Championship. Almost every top-tier European league is a higher standard. How, then, could any player be considered remotely elite without performing and producing in an elite league?
For the U.S. Men’s National Team defender, this has always been his goal. As he told mlssoccer.com earlier this year:
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"“I’m trying to be one of the best right-backs in the world one day. That’s been my dream since I was little. And I know it’s crazy, this kid from MLS [saying that at age] 21. I don’t care. I have dreams, aspirations. Hopefully one day I’ll reach them, and I’ll go out swinging if I don’t. It’s one of the things I’ll always chase until the end of my career. I have that drive.”"
And now the FC Dallas academy graduate might just get the chance. Per Voetbal News via mlssoccer.com, Cannon has attracted interest from across Europe, including Belgian sides Gent, where Canadian international Jonathan David currently plays, and Anderlecht, as well as Freiburg in the Bundesliga, a league that has seen many USMNT talents move to and shine in recent years.
Cannon has long viewed this summer as his ideal chance to make the European switch. His contract was constructed in a way that it benefits him and the club and now at 22, he has plenty of first-team experience but is looking to take the next step in his career as he approaches his prime years. It is the perfect time.
The coronavirus had thrust it into doubt. Clubs would be financially challenged, Cannon may be stuck in the U.S. But speaking to mlssoccer.com earlier this year, he remained confident that his future lies in Europe, whether that be this summer or not:
"“Regardless of if it happens [this summer] or not, I don’t think it’ll hinder my career at all. At the end of the day, I know my future is over there [Europe], whenever that may be. I just have to be patient and kill it at FC Dallas.”"
And for Cannon, that is the crucial mindset. While others have spurned European moves to stay in MLS and master the American market, for someone who wants to prove that he can rival the best in the world, a move to Europe is not optional. It is a necessity.
An increasing number of USMNT players have ventured across the pond. The success is growing. Christian Pulisic smashed the transfer record for an American player, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams are first-team regulars in the Bundesliga, while Sergino Dest, Tim Weah and Gio Reyna are hugely thought of young players at their respective teams.
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Cannon now wants to join this group. And so, whenever it comes, whether that be this summer, he must jump at the chance.