Borussia Dortmund’s Gio Reyna spent the first six months of 2024 on loan at Nottingham Forest but failed to impress, and now the American has an opportunity to fight for a place at the Westfalenstadion under Nuri Şahin.
The 21-year-old replaced Emre Can and in a 10 minute spell, was central to Dortmund going forward, operating in the half-spaces and touching the ball on 17 occasions. Although a minimal amount, it was evident that Şahin has belief in the player who struggled under Edin Terzić.
When asked about Reyna’s future, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said, via Ruhr Nachrichten: “There is nothing on the table and I don’t hear that the player wants to leave.” This comes despite the player’s future being unclear – with his current deal expiring in 2026 – on his return to Dortmund, but it now appears that Reyna will get his chance to shine.
Şahin and Reyna could be a match made in heaven. With an attacking philosophy and possession heavy approach, Reyna and Julian Brandt can both operate as the eight, or ten, occupying the central and half-spaces.
As further reported by RN, if Reyna consistently shows himself at a high level, they he will get his chance at Borussia Dortmund and if his cameo on Saturday is a sign of things to come, then this season could well be the American’s coming of age.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
