USMNT abroad: Joe Scally set to begin career at Borussia Mönchengladbach
By Daniel Garza
Joe Scally is set to begin his career at Borussia Mönchengladbach in January
Another Major League Soccer export is on the move. Joe Scally will be joining Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach this month to begin his career in Germany. This transfer was announced in November of 2019 but the actual move is to take place in January of 2021 as Scally recently turned 18. The United States Men’s National Team eligible player could become the eighth USMNT eligible player to feature in the German top flight this season if he gets the opportunity.
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A bright future ahead
At just 18, Scally will be looking to become the next success story from New York City FC’s academy. He is technically the first NYCFC academy player to be transferred to a European club.
However, current Borussia Dortmund player Giovanni Reyna got his start at the NYCFC academy before heading over to Germany to join Dortmund’s academy. With the success Reyna has had so far with Dortmund, there’s reason to believe that Scally’s time with NYCFC will have him prepared for the Bundesliga.
Mönchengladbach manager Marco Rose indicated in a recent press conference that Scally will be given the opportunity to train with the first team.
"“Then the plan is for us to take a look at him. He will have the chance to showcase himself in first-team training, that’s why we’ve brought him here.”"
According to Transfermarkt, Mönchengladbach currently have five listed right-backs on the books. Stefan Lainer and Michael Lang have been leading the way at the position so far this season. As a result, Scally will likely be a rotation player in Mönchengladbach’s lineup as the season progresses. They are still alive in the DFB-Pokal and UEFA Champions League competitions so they do have a jam-packed schedule over the next two months.
For this reason, there’s a possibility Scally could make his debut for Mönchengladbach if he can impress upon arrival. Additionally, the Bundesliga has continued on with the five substitute rule for the remainder of the season. This rule can benefit a player like Scally who will be looking to get first-team minutes.
Adding depth to the USMNT player pool
Scally is one of the multiple USMNT eligible right-backs to make the move to a European league recently. FC Dallas academy product Reggie Cannon was transferred to Boavista in the Portuguese top-flight during the summer transfer window and former Dallas teammate Bryan Reynolds appears destined to land at a high-level club in the near future based on recent transfer reports.
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With Sergino Dest currently playing at Barcelona, the right-back position appears to be one of the strongest units that Gregg Berhalter will have on his team. If Scally can find success during his time with Mönchengladbach then it will only further add to the strong depth at the position. He will certainly be USMNT eligible player to keep an eye on as the 2020/21 season continues.