Gregg Berhalter supports Gio Reyna’s quest for larger club role

Gio Reyna’s lack of playing time at Borussia Dortmund is certainly a worry for U.S. men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter, but with Reyna now seeking a new chapter this January, Berhalter has shown his support for the talented playmaker’s search.

Berhalter took to the podium on Friday ahead of the USMNT’s opening match of the 2024 schedule, a home friendly vs. Slovenia in San Antonio. Despite not having many of his European players for January’s opening match, Berhalter has kept a close eye on his group heading into competitive matches later this March and June-July.

Reyna, who remains a Borussia Dortmund player at this time, has been reduced to only 320 minutes of playing time for the Black and Yellow this campaign. The 21-year-old recently joined Polaris Sports, a marketing agency founded and run by former super agent, Jorge Mendes.

Reyna’s switch from Wasserman to Polaris will hopefully earn the attacking midfielder a new opportunity in the coming weeks, which would not only be beneficial for the player, but also for the USMNT. There has been reported interest from England, France, Spain, and elsewhere for Reyna’s signature and Berhalter admitted his eagerness to see what happens next for him this season.

“I think that any professional who’s competitive wants to be on the field,” Berhalter said Friday. “And this is a case where Gio hasn’t been getting the game time that he wants and is potentially looking for alternate options. That’s completely understandable. You’ve seen in our player pool throughout these years that that’s a pretty common reaction. We support him in his quest to get on the field regularly and we’re looking forward to the outcome of that.”

Reyna has earned 24 caps to date with the USMNT, scoring seven goals and adding three assists. He last featured in the Americans’ two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals matchup with Trinidad & Tobago, scoring once in the 3-0 first leg victory before playing just 42 minutes in a 2-1 second leg defeat.

The two-time Nations League winner will certainly be pushing for involvement in the USMNT’s semifinal clash with Jamaica this March in Arlington, Texas.