The MLS icon has voiced support for Reyna’s rumored move to the La Liga side as he believes it would provide him with the playing time he needs

Lalas stressed Reyna needs consistent playing time above all elseSuggested mid-table La Liga club presents ideal environment for ReynaEmphasized Reyna must "meet them halfway" by maximizing any opportunityAFPWHAT HAPPENED

Following another season with limited minutes for Giovanni Reyna, there are reports indicating Borussia Dortmund has told the American that he can leave this summer.

In light of that, Reyna has been linked with a move to La Liga, with Real Sociedad rumored to be interested, and former USMNT star Alexi Lalas has endorsed the potential transfer, should it happen. He emphasized that Reyna's priority should be finding a club where he can play regularly – and Sociedad could offer that.

“It's a good solid team and that's what he [Gio Reyna] needs. I mean, he doesn't need a super club." Lalas said on his State of the Union Podcast. “He doesn't need Champions League for that matter, just a place where he can, where he is of the level, where he can play, where he gets a chance.

"Gio has to meet somebody halfway, all right? He's not just going to be gifted anywhere he goes the opportunity. I think that is a real question when it comes to Gio that he is going to have to answer through his work.”

AdvertisementWHAT ALEXI LALAS SAID

Lalas also touched on the scenes after Borussia Dortmund’s last game of the 2024-25 season in which Reyna was seen waving to the fans and the crowd.

“It shouldn't come to anyone surprise that this is not just a possibility. But I think just a fait accompli, if you will, that Gio Reyna is going to go somewhere else."

Lalas said he understands the emotions of leaving of a club that helped develop him since he was a teen.

“While it hasn't gone well for him at Dortmund, this is still the community that you live in, the community that your family lives in. You spend that other 22 and a half hours of a day living and functioning in that community," he said. "So I get it, it can be emotional, but hopefully it's on to, I don't know if it's bigger, but at least better things in terms of him consistently playing and he gets back to a consistency for him individually and, you know, potentially for the U.S. men's national team.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

At 22, Reyna's career stands at a critical crossroads after a promising start at Dortmund gave way to injury struggles and limited playing time. The midfielder, once considered American soccer's brightest young talent, has seen his development stagnate.

AFPWHAT’S NEXT?

With only one year left on his contract, the American will likely prioritize finding a permanent solution that provides stability and playing time after several disrupted seasons.