For a player once touted as the future of American soccer, Giovanni Reyna’s fall from grace has been steep. At just 22, he’s already experienced the dizzying highs of Champions League soccer with Borussia Dortmund and the frustrating lows of persistent injuries, failed loans, and dwindling minutes. Now, an unexpected opportunity in Italy could provide the fresh start he desperately needs—one that mirrors Christian Pulisic’s own resurgence on the peninsula.
Gio Reyna’s trajectory once looked destined for superstardom. After bursting onto the scene with Dortmund as a teenager, his flair, vision, and versatility made him a fixture in the USMNT and one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. But things began to unravel quickly.
Over the last two seasons, Reyna has played just 49 matches, managing only two goals and a couple of assists. His half-season loan to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League turned into a cautionary tale, where he failed to secure a regular role. The numbers say it all: just 627 minutes of action across four competitions last season, and barely 1,000 minutes total over the past two club campaigns.
Injuries have been a major obstacle. A groin issue suffered on USMNT duty in late 2024 saw him miss eight consecutive Bundesliga games. And when he returned, he couldn’t reclaim his spot in Dortmund’s starting XI. Even with two goals in 16 Bundesliga matches, his influence was minimal.
Beyond physical setbacks, criticism over his attitude and application added to the turbulence. Once valued at $58 million in 2021, his estimated transfer value has plunged to just $9 million as per Transfermarkt, reflecting how far he’s fallen in the pecking order.
Italy calling: Mysterious lifeline
Now, as the summer transfer window heats up, whispers of a move to Italy have emerged. According to Fabrizio Romano, an unexpected Serie A club has stepped forward, eager to help Reyna reignite his career.
“Parma submitted formal bid to Borussia Dortmund to sign Gio Reyna as key target for Serie A side,” Romano posted on X. “LAFC are not in active talks for Reyna despite reports, Parma are on it with fee offered around €6m [$7m].”
That’s right—Parma, promoted back to Serie A in 2024, is the club taking a gamble on Reyna. They’ve reportedly tabled a bid of $7 million, offering him a three-year contract with an option for a fourth, and a $29 million release clause.
Despite rumors of interest from MLS clubs like LAFC, Tom Bogert has stated that a move to California is off the table for now. For Reyna, the Yellow and Blues appear to be the most concrete and appealing option.
Why Parma—and why now?
At first glance, Parma might not seem like the ideal fit. They finished 16th last season, narrowly avoiding relegation. But the club, now under the ownership of American businessman Kyle Krause, is building with ambition. They’ve just appointed Carlos Cuesta, a former Arsenal assistant, as head coach—the youngest in Europe at just 29.
Reyna, a fan of the project, is intrigued. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg notes that the player is “looking for a new challenge” and “has greenlit the transfer.” The club also sees him as a centerpiece for their rebuilding plans. According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Ducali are confident they can convince him that Serie A is the place to restart his career.
If Parma completes the deal, Reyna would become the first American to ever play for the club. He would join a growing American contingent in the Italian top division that includes Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Tim Weah, and Gianluca Busio.