Gio Reyna: Could USMNT star be “centerpiece” for Atlanta United?

Atlanta United is gearing up for a major impact in the MLS Secondary Transfer Window with significant resources at their disposal. With two Designated Player spots freed up following the departures of midfielder Thiago Almada to Brazil’s Botafogo and striker Giorgos Giakoumakis to Mexico’s Cruz Azul, the club has reportedly amassed over $30 million. Additionally, left back Caleb Wiley is rumored to be attracting interest from Premier League side Chelsea for a potential fee exceeding $10 million.

MLS Season Pass analyst Sacha Kljestan advocates for a bold move, suggesting that Atlanta should bring back one of the US men’s national team’s biggest stars: Gio Reyna.

Kljestan’s vision is clear: Reyna, a former New York City FC academy standout currently at Borussia Dortmund, could seamlessly fill Almada’s vacant No. 10 role.

“We saw him not getting minutes at Dortmund, then going on loan to Nottingham Forest, didn’t really get enough minutes there,” Kljestan highlighted on This is MLS. “Bringing him to MLS would allow him to play week in, week out for two years straight, showcasing his talent and setting up a potential return to Europe after the 2026 World Cup. It’s a no-brainer.”

Kljestan isn’t done there. He also proposes acquiring Memphis Depay as Giakoumakis’ replacement. The Dutch international, currently a free agent after leaving Atlético Madrid, is seen as a reliable starting No. 9.

“Memphis Depay is available on a free transfer,” Kljestan asserted. “Atlanta United should go out and sign him. He guarantees goals.”

Kljestan envisions a dynamic partnership between Depay and Reyna igniting Atlanta’s offense and making them formidable playoff contenders.

“If you put those two together on Atlanta, and they find their form, nobody in the East would want to face them in the playoffs,” Kljestan concluded. “Both are game-changers.”

However, not everyone shares Kljestan’s enthusiasm. MLS Season Pass analyst Calen Carr expresses reservations, particularly since Atlanta United is currently without a full-time head coach following Gonzalo Pineda’s departure.

“For Reyna’s development, having an experienced manager is crucial,” Carr cautioned. “While playing regularly is important, the environment needs to be right for him to flourish.”

Despite differing viewpoints, Kljestan remains optimistic about the prospect of Reyna returning to MLS and becoming a cornerstone for Atlanta United.

“Bring him back to his roots,” Kljestan urged. “Let him lead Atlanta United for the next two years as he prepares for the World Cup. He thrives on playing time and creating opportunities.”

In the midst of managerial uncertainty, the potential addition of Reyna and Depay underscores Atlanta United’s ambitious plans to strengthen their squad and challenge for MLS supremacy.