Gio Reyna 'wants a fresh start' at Borussia Monchengladbach as sporting director thought they had 'no chance' of signing USMNT star from Dortmund

Reyna bid an emotional farewell to Dortmund as he opted to join Bundesliga rivals Monchengladbach for a fee that could rise to €7 million. Gladbach's sporting director, Roland Virkus, revealed the transfer was only possible because the player "wants to make a fresh start" and admitted he initially believed his club had "no chance" of signing the 22-year-old.

The move marks the end of a six-year association with Dortmund for Reyna, whose promising career has been significantly stalled by persistent injury problems over the past two seasons. While Gladbach view the signing as a major coup, both Virkus and manager Gerardo Seoane have acknowledged the "residual risk" involved, given the midfielder's fitness record. Seoane has stated that "a lot of work will be needed from everyone in the coming weeks" to manage the player's return to consistent action.
He played 15 games for BVB last season and got minimal action in the Club World Cup. The 22-year-old was previously named U.S. Soccer's Young Player of the Year in 2020, and he has 32 senior caps, eight goals. The move to Gladbach provides Reyna with an opportunity to rekindle his career, with USMNT teammate and former NYCFC academy colleague Joe Scally with him.

Virkus said: "It's a transfer where we normally have no chance - no chance. But he wants to make a fresh start with us. That's why we should be proud that the boy has chosen Borussia. [He can] play as a hanging striker, on the wing, at number 10, or directly behind a central striker."

Speaking on his role, he added: "It's important for competition that you're not tied to one position. He puts pressure on all the forward positions – but he doesn't actually block anyone."

"There's always a bit of residual risk. But we're getting an outstanding young player, something we wouldn't get under normal circumstances."

Reyna managed just 25 appearances across the Bundesliga and Champions League last season, starting just five of those. The previous year, injury kept him out of the team for the first two months of the season and he struggled to regain his place, ending in a disappointing loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

Addressing concerns over his injury history, Gladbach coach Gerardo Seoane said: "We know that Gio has had a history of injuries over the past two years. He's a very young player who has already experienced a lot. He's definitely a great asset for us – but a lot of work will be needed from everyone in the coming weeks."

Reyna will immediately integrate into Seoane's squad as they look to build on their opening day 0-0 draw with Hamburger. The primary short-term focus for Gladbach's staff will be managing his fitness to avoid further setbacks and help him rediscover his top form. On the pitch, he will be expected to provide a creative spark and challenge for a starting role in the attack as the Bundesliga season gets underway.