Former NYCFC academy player Gio Reyna has an uncertain future

New York City FC has already produced some talents that have made their way to Europe, both via signings and homegrowns.  Jack Harrison and Joe Scally are just two examples, and Scally is likely the most successful homegrown so far. 

However, Gio Reyna might have not played for the first team, but the former NYCFC academy player developed with the Pigeons before moving to Borussia Dortmund.  Hence, there is some pride in that fact, for Reyna became a player wanted by a top European side while he was with the academy. 

And, many know Reyna has seen quite a bit of personal success since making that move.  He joined Dortmund’s academy in the summer of 2019, and made his professional debut less than a year later.  

Former NYCFC academy player Gio Reyna has an uncertain future

At certain points, he was a mainstay starter for Dortmund, but often injury has derailed his playing time.  This season, the injury issues plagued his first half of the season, especially because Dortmund was extremely cautious with him, and reduced his time on the pitch.  However, it became difficult to regain a starting role based on the high level of play from others.  Hence, his future with the club is up in the air, for there is no doubt Reyna wants to play where he can be a starter. 

At the same time, the son of the former NYCFC and now disgraced Sporting Director has been incredible when he was on the pitch.  He became known as a super-sub over the last few months, for he scored five times and managed two assists, in which the assists came during the last match of the season. 

In fact, it was in the last game of the season where Reyna showed why he is a talented player that can play in the top leagues.  When he was substituted on in the second half, he immediately made a difference, showing his ability by maneuvering around players and taking shots toward goal.  Supporters of Dortmund can only wonder whether the result would have been different if some of the substitutes like Reyna came on earlier in the game.  Sadly, a rough first half saw the American and his team fail to win the Bundesliga title.

Nevertheless, Reyna is one of the top American soccer talents, and this has been seen since his time with the NYCFC academy.  Unfortunately, injuries have been the major problem over the last couple of years, and everyone knows the World Cup drama that likely impacted him mentally this year.  He has gone through quite a few hurdles, and hopefully he has grown and matured as well. 

That is why there is no question Reyna would be sought after, for his talent is immense when he is healthy.  And likely, based on this season, the American international will be on the move this summer.  Plus, with upcoming USMNT games this summer, he has another opportunity to prove his worth on the pitch, and grab the attention of more clubs. 

If Reyna does stay at Dortmund, then he will have to fight for his place in the Starting XI.  But again, this is an unlikely scenario, for there are other players in front of him at this time.  What the former New York City FC academy player decides is questionable, and his future is uncertain.