'It gives you confidence' - USMNT star Joe Scally on transfer rumors, his friendship with Gio Reyna, gaming with the Aaronson brothers and his national team future

Like all players, Scally finds himself scrolling through social media, flooded by a seemingly endless supply of transfer rumors. This window, though, Scally's situation is a bit different as his name is among those often being tossed into those transfer-related posts.

According to ESPN, clubs in the Premier League and Serie A have been chasing Scally, with Newcastle, Fulham and Bournemouth joining AC Milan among those interested. It would be a massive move for the 21-year-old defender, who has established himself as a go-to starter in the Bundesliga for some time.

Scally, of course, is familiar with the rumors and doesn't deny seeing them, as many players would. He even admitted that, in some ways, they're helping to inspire him as they give him confidence that he is impressing the right people all over Europe.

"All players see these rumors," he said. "I think it even gives you confidence to see that other teams want you. Obviously, you see it. There's no hiding from social media nowadays, so everyone sees everything. Definitely, for me, at least it gives me confidence just to play better in the next game and the next game, but in the end, when you're playing the game, you're not focused on whether this team is watching or that team is watching; it's just your focus on the match plan and how to execute as best as you can."

Transfers have been a big topic in USMNT circles lately, with the team experiencing two very different windows in recent months.

In the summer, several of the USMNT's top stars made massive moves in Europe, with Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Tim Weah, Matt Turner and Tyler Adams all sealing transfers. This window, though, has been about staying close to home as Miles Robinson, Brandon Vazquez and Cade Cowell have opted for MLS or Liga MX.

Those differing types of moves have led to the reemergence of a discussion that began a decade ago. What should players value more: the comfort and finances available at home or the challenge and prestige of Europe?

Scally, of course, is testing himself in Europe, having left NYCFC to join Gladbach as a teenager. He admits that he does want to return to his hometown club down the line and that he understands the draw of MLS. For now, though, Europe is on his mind.

"It hasn't come up as a topic between any of the players," he says. "If you're playing in the top five leagues in Europe, I'm sure you're going to be making much more in the MLS. I can definitely tell you that so I don't think it's a topic, honestly. I think if someone wants to go back to MLS, I think it's just going to be because they miss America. I think this is kind of going to be the top priority. In the end, when I want to maybe finish my career. I want to finish it at my old club in New York. I don't think it's going to be a topic about money, but if you're playing in the top five leagues, money is not going to be an issue."

It's crazy to think about, but, at just 21, Scally is already closing in on 100 senior appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach.

He signed with the club in 2019 at just 17 years old, waiting to go over a year later. After getting some reps with the club's second team during the 2020-21 season, he was tossed right into the first team to start the following campaign and hasn't looked back. After making at least 30 appearances in each of his first two seasons, he's already at 22 this season in all competitions.

"I'm one of the longer-serving players now on the team," he says. "After we got rid of a lot of players over the summer, I definitely feel like there is some weight on my back where I should understand the game more than someone who is also my age but hasn't played as many games. I definitely feel that way."

Scally, though, isn't immune from mistakes. He's just 21, after all, and there are times when things go wrong. As a defender, those mistakes are more apparent than anywhere else on the field, too. They've been few and far between, to his credit, but Gladbach manager Gerardo Seaoane says it's important that Scally is given the freedom to make them.

"We had discussions with Joe Scally after the Augsburg game," Seaoane said. "In sport, it's important to keep looking forward after weaker performances, so that you can improve. As a young player, Joe has the right to sometimes make mistakes."

Scally added: "When you're young, you can make mistakes. It's not like I can try and dribble out of the back with five guys on me, of course. It's not like that where I can do things like that, but in the end, there are tools you can use that you learned from experiencing things. Most of the time, you learn things when you do something wrong. When you lose a game, you learn from the lost game rather than a won game.

"So of course, it's very nice to hear that the coach has so much trust in me and understands that young players make mistakes."

Since their times together at the youth level, Scally has been close friends with fellow USMNT star Gio Reyna. And, like Scally, Reyna has been in the headlines recently regarding transfer rumors.

Not getting the playing time he needs at Dortmund, Reyna has been linked with clubs in England, Spain and France in recent weeks. It appears, however, that the American may now be staying at Dortmund after Edin Terzic said that he expects Reyna to be available to the team going forward.

Scally says that, when the two do talk, they don't sit and reflect on career paths or anything like that. Instead, they focus on everyday life, as most people their age would.

"Most of our conversations are not about soccer at all," Scally said. "What he does and what everyone does with their career, they kind of just keep to themselves. Of course, we talk but, when we hang out, we just do normal 21-year-old stuff. We play Xbox all the time. Of course, it's been a difficult time for him. He deserves to play and deserves all the minutes he can get but we aren't really talking about that stuff or whatever you want to call it; it's more just like normal, everyday life stuff."

One of the 21-year-old things that Scally has been getting into lately is streaming. The USMNT fullback has been joined by the likes of Reyna, Brenden Aaronson and Paxten Aaronson during his Twitch streams, with the group diving into Fortnite together with fans all over the world tuning in.

Streaming is still new to Scally, who has had a few difficulties with timezone and technology. However, he's enjoying it as a chance to not just bond with friends, but with fans that can pop in and interact with the next generation of USMNT stars.

"I'm going to continue to do it," he said. "I love doing it. The fans love it. A lot of people think it's cool just to interact with each other, so it's very nice. I've had Gio, Brenden and Paxton on. Like two weeks ago, we did a nice little stream. Of course, it's difficult with the times in the U.S. because, normally, when we're streaming here, it's around seven, so it's one in the afternoon in the U.S. and everyone's at work or school. It's difficult but, for camps, I'll bring my setup so the U.S. fans can get a different type of look at the players. It's just nice to interact. People ask questions and it's very fun."

At the moment, Scally is focused on a big stretch of games with Gladbach. Having recently held league-leaders Bayer Leverkusen scoreless in a draw, it won't get any easier as Gladbach will head to the Allianz Arena this weekend to face Bayern Munich. It's a tough few weeks for Gladbach, who sit 12th in the Bundesliga and are desperate to avoid a bad run of form that could see them fall into a relegation race.

Still, Scally does have one eye on the Nations League with the USMNT. Sergino Dest is suspended for March's semifinal against Jamaica, leaving a spot open as the USMNT's right back. Scally seems to be best positioned to take that spot as he looks set to get a chance to prove himself with the national team after being used primarily as a substitute through most of his career.

Scally, of course, was a member of the USMNT World Cup squad, but failed to make an appearance in Qatar. With the Copa America looming, Scally is now ready for another chance this spring.

"It's always difficult when you're playing every single game with your club to go and then not play," he said. "No player wants to sit on the bench and every player wants to play. Of course, I'm excited about games like this. I've played in big games already for the national team, whether it was last year in the final where I started in the same position in an even bigger game than this one coming up. That's something I'm excited about.

"I play every week in the Bundesliga, which is better players I guess you could say, of course, but it's all different in CONCACAF like everyone sees. With games like this, it's nothing to be scared or nervous about. I'm very excited for it."