Das Reboot is the name of an iconic biography that charts the reinvention of German football in the early 2000s and resulted in FIFA World Cup™ glory at Brazil 2014. It is a phrase that also neatly symbolizes Gio Reyna’s switch from Borussia Dortmund to Bundesliga rivals Borussia Monchengladbach, which was officially confirmed on Saturday.
After struggling for playing time at Dortmund in recent seasons, it was clear that the USA playmaker needed a change of scenery to revive his career and ensure that he makes Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 26™. Pochettino admitted as much during the Concacaf Nations League Finals early this year.
“He’s not playing much at his club, and for us, it was a great opportunity to have an experience with him. Because in June, if he is still at Dortmund, he is going to be involved in the Club World Cup and is not going to have the possibility [to play for the USA at the Gold Cup],” Pochettino said.
“The most important thing is how he’s showing in every single training session and spending time with us, because I think maybe he’s not at his best. But he’s here for us to try to get to know him and, from there, to help him arrive at his best. That is the reality.
“I am so honest and what I think I see is this important player, who was also an important player in the past. I think it’s a player we need to recover and put to the same level as the rest of the players to have the possibility to compete in the World Cup.”
Last season, the 22-year-old started just five games for Dortmund and played only 26 times in all competitions. During the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, he played just 12 minutes as a substitute. The time for a change was now, as he has conceded.
“I arrived at BVB as a 16-year-old kid, and over the past six years I’ve grown into the person and player I am today. Every time I stepped on to the pitch in black and yellow, I gave everything I had for this club,” Reyna said on Instagram. “I’ll carry so many unforgettable memories with me, from my Bundesliga debut to lifting the DFB-Pokal, and all the moments in between. Dortmund has shaped me in ways I’ll never forget, both on and off the field.
“To the staff, my team-mates, and above all, the incredible fans: Thank you. Your support through every high and low has meant the world to me. Now it’s time to close this chapter and start a new one, but BVB will always have a special place in my heart.”
Reyna, who has signed a contract with Gladbach until 2028, will be pairing up with USA team-mate and close friend Joe Scally at the Rhineland club. With the city of Dortmund nearby, the playmaker will also not have to uproot his life in making the switch.
Now the onus is now on Reyna to show his worth to Pochettino and ensure his reboot is considered a success.
