Is Giovanni Reyna lost at Borussia Dortmund? The advice that could change everything

Giovanni Reyna, the American prospect that everyone hoped would shine at Borussia Dortmund, is going through a period of uncertainty. The 21-year-old star, who arrived with so much fanfare in European soccer, seems to be losing his luster and, with it, his relevance in the German team. Reyna's current situation raises an important question: could the MLS be the solution for him to get his career back on track?

MLS veteran Sacha Kljestan didn't mince his words when offering his advice to Reyna: "We saw that he didn't get any minutes at Dortmund, then he was loaned to Nottingham Forest and really didn't get enough minutes there," said Kljestan, summing up the youngster's disastrous season. The reality is that Reyna, for all his potential, hasn't managed to establish himself in either the Bundesliga or the Premier League.

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Kljestan believes that a return to the United States could be the best way forward for Reyna. Playing regularly in the MLS for two years would allow the young talent to gain the experience and confidence needed to make a full return to Europe after the 2026 World Cup. "I don't think he had the right mindset. The boy has quality. Bring him back home. He needs playing time. He'll give you assists. He'll set up moves," Kljestan stressed. That's sensible advice from someone who knows both the American and European soccer scenes well.

Reyna's contract with Borussia Dortmund runs until 2026, but the intense competition in the BVB attack, coupled with the failed loan move to Nottingham Forest, has put his career at a critical point. At Nottingham, Reyna played just nine Premier League games, without managing to make an impact. And at Dortmund, the situation wasn't much different, with only 11 games played in the 2023/24 season, starting just once.

Reyna, who can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide, has all the tools to be a great player. Good passing, vision and the ability to set up plays are characteristics he has already demonstrated. But, like any athlete, he needs minutes on the pitch to develop and perfect his skills. And so far, Borussia Dortmund have been unable to give him that last season.

With the arrival of Nuri Şahin as Dortmund's new coach, there's a chance that things could change for Reyna. Şahin, a former player, may be able to see the young American's potential and give him the opportunities he needs. However, that remains to be seen, and will depend a lot on Reyna's performance in training and during the German team's pre-season.

Reyna's career in European soccer has been one of ups and downs. Since his arrival at Dortmund, he has shown flashes of brilliance, but has been unable to maintain a consistency that would guarantee him first-team football. His loan to Nottingham Forest was an attempt to gain more playing time, but ended up being a collective failure, especially during the Copa America, where he also failed to stand out.

A return to the MLS may be seen as a step backwards by some, but it's important to remember that the American league has grown and strengthened in recent years. Playing in the MLS doesn't necessarily mean taking a step back. It could be an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and his game, in an environment where he will have more chances to shine.

For Giovanni Reyna, the future is still open. He has the talent and determination to turn things around, but he needs the right opportunities. If that means returning to the United States and playing in the MLS for a while, it could be just what he needs to get back on track and show the soccer world just how good he really is. And who knows, after the 2026 World Cup, he might return to Europe stronger and more prepared than ever.