'Elusive unicorn' Gio Reyna given transfer ultimatum amid USMNT struggles as bit-part Borussia Dortmund star sees questions asked of his 'level'

The talented playmaker is still just 22 years of age, with time on his side when it comes to unlocking full potential, but struggles for form and fitness are hindering his progress with club and country. Reyna only made one cameo appearance off the bench as the United States suffered disappointing defeats to Panama and Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League finals.

He has made 21 appearances for Dortmund across all competitions this season, but only three of those have been Bundesliga starts. Reyna has been advised to escape bench duty in Germany as quickly as possible, with a transfer required in order to get his career back on track.

That is the opinion of ex-USMNT star Stuart Holden, who has told Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union podcast: "Gio Reyna is this elusive unicorn to me. We have seen these moments and flashes of brilliance, but the reality is – and we have to start having this real conversation about him – what is his level? What is his potential? What is the ceiling?

"But first and foremost he has got to get on the field for his club team. He has to get a move in the summer. He has to figure out himself how to go through these tough moments, ride them out and be a realistic contributor.

"And, by the way, he’s not good enough from what I’ve seen that he can roll into camp after playing five minutes at the end of every single game and that he should expect to play a more meaningful role for the USMNT. I just haven’t seen it.

"Sure, he could have come on earlier in the game [against Canada] or come on against Panama and maybe had a little moment of brilliance, but I want to see something that is consistent, that is going to be there all the time and be a dependable asset, because that’s the type of player that I am going to build my team around."

Reyna has seen questions asked of his future at club level for some time, having taken in a frustrating loan spell at Premier League side Nottingham Forest last season. He has been linked with clubs across Europe, which suggests that he will not be short of options if the decision is taken to push for a switch this summer.