Sources: Westerlo rejects Bryan Reynolds’ leave for Olympic duty

Bryan Reynolds was a potential candidate for the U.S. men’s Olympic team this summer, but Belgian side Westerlo rejected his departure for international duty.

Westerlo did not release Reynolds for involvement in Marko Mitrovic’s 18-player squad, sources close to the player confirmed to SBI. Due to a shortage of right backs in Westerlo’s squad for preseason, Reynolds was forced to stay for preseason camp.

The 23-year-old right back was part of every USMNT U-23 camp during Mitrovic’s reign as head coach, making six appearances and registering one assist. However, Nathan Harriel will likely serve as the starting right back for the Americans during their time in France this summer.

Reynolds, a former FC Dallas homegrown defender, recently completed his second season with Westerlo. He’s logged one goal and nine assists in 68 combined appearances for the Belgian side, teaming with fellow American, Griffin Yow.

Yow was included in the Olympic squad, which was announced on Monday.

Reynolds’ club future remains unknown after previous links with English second-tier side Hull City. Westerlo won’t stand in Reynolds way of a potential transfer this summer, should the right offer come in, sources say.

The Americans will face France, New Zealand, and Guinea in group stage play in France this summer.