Marco Reus is leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer (Image: ANP via Getty Images)
After mutually deciding to part ways, Marco Reus’s time with Borussia Dortmund is drawing to an end. As a result, he is now a strong contender to be signed by a Major League Soccer team.
This summer, Marco Reus will conclude his 12-year tenure at Borussia Dortmund, sparking rumors that he might join Major League Soccer.
Reus hopes to end on the highest note possible, with the Black and Yellow just 90 minutes away from a spot in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium. The club and Reus have mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the season.
Reus released a statement saying, “I’m immensely grateful for and proud of this special time at my club Borussia Dortmund.” “I have been at this club for more than half of my life, and I have always enjoyed every day—though there have undoubtedly also been challenging times. I already know that when the season ends, it will be hard for me to say goodbye.
“However, I’m glad that everything is clear now and that we can concentrate entirely on the crucial remaining games. We all want to work together to accomplish a significant goal that is in our sights. We will require each and every one of our incredible fans to accomplish this, and I want to sincerely thank them for their unwavering support over the years.”
Reus is a strong contender to relocate to the United States given his background and profile, which put him on the open market this summer. He would be the next great German immigrant to the United States, after Bastian Schweinsteiger.
It remains to be seen if Reus will consider moving to the US this summer, but with recent additions like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Olivier Giroud, the league is becoming an increasingly attractive prospect due to its growing prestige and financial power. These prominent free agents are a few that the league may target this summer.
Real Madrid’s Luka Modric
Luka Modric could be a free agent this summer ( Image: Pressinphoto/REX/Shutterstock)
It looks as though Modric’s career with Los Blancos is drawing to an end after 12 incredible years at the Bernabeu. Even at 38 years old, he is still a very productive midfield player, having been instrumental in a season that has seen Real Madrid come dangerously close to winning both the La Liga and the Champions League.
In just a few weeks, his contract will expire, and while there is still time to reach an agreement, one has not yet been signed. Modric has made it apparent that he wants to play on by turning down the opportunity to retire and join Carlo Ancelotti’s coaching staff for the upcoming campaign.
A transfer to one of Europe’s top leagues, like the Premier League, where he established his reputation with Tottenham, seems improbable at this point in his career. However, relocating domestically might be a fitting capstone to an extraordinary career for the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, continuing the tradition of many great athletes who concluded their careers in the US.
United States’ Raphael Varane
Varane, like Modric, has achieved everything with Real Madrid. He hasn’t had much success on the field, but after fulfilling his desire to play in the Premier League with United, there isn’t much more for Varane to accomplish in the European game.
In order to focus on staying fit for his club, the French center-half ended his international career, which included the 2018 World Cup victory. However, nagging problems still prevent him from being available for Erik ten Hag’s team.
Varane’s time at Old Trafford is quickly coming to an end, and considering United’s defensive injury problems this year, it appears likely that the team will overhaul its defense this summer, potentially leading to Varane’s release.
Varane revealed last month that he has had multiple concussions and that he is aware that his long-term health may be jeopardized. He also said that his career has “damaged” his body. Moving to the Major League Soccer (MLS), where the action is not as intense, could present the right challenge for him to continue playing, though.
Liverpool’s Thiago
Due to injury concerns, the 33-year-old has only made one appearance for Liverpool this season across all competitions, effectively ending his career. The player’s days as one of Europe’s top creative midfielders for Barcelona and Bayern Munich now seem a long time ago.
However, his technical skill is undoubtedly still there, and the slower tempo of American football may suit his body at this point in his career while also making him a very potent deep-lying conductor, much like Sergio Busquets has done for Inter Miami’s midfield.
Is Thiago going to be another La Masia alum to play for Inter Miami? Although it is unlikely due to salary cap issues and Thiago and Busquets’s lack of legs in the midfield, it is an interesting idea to think about.
United States – Anthony Martial
Although Martial is the youngest player on this list—he is 28 years old—what will his market actually look like when he finally leaves Old Trafford this summer? Prior to his injuries, the Frenchman’s United career held great promise, but in order for the striker to turn things around, he needs to move to a new location.
The kind of deal that Martial would want this summer is unlikely to be offered by any elite club in Europe, and the uncertainty surrounding his long-term availability may limit his options. However, he is back in training at United and might contribute towards the end of the campaign, providing him with a short window of opportunity to demonstrate his abilities to prospective suitors before his contract expires.
A league with less intensity during games might be exactly what Martial needs to maximize his potential at this point in his career, given his injury problems. At his best, he must not have considered moving to Major League Soccer (MLS), but in the near future, if not now, it might become a compelling option.
Ramos Sergio – Sevilla
With sizable Real Madrid and Barcelona fanbases deeply ingrained in Hispanic communities, Spanish football is huge in the US, and Ramos would undoubtedly give any MLS team that could hire him a significant marketing boost.
This season, the 38-year-old center back has turned back the clock for Sevilla. Signing a one-year contract to rejoin his childhood team, the center back has made 23 appearances in La Liga and scored three goals.
After winning five La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues, Ramos is a Real Madrid legend. He would love to secure a contract extension at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, but if Sevilla’s offer is not forthcoming, then Ramos may choose to play in the United States.
