GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, with Reyna and Yunus Musah looking to debut with new clubs
And just like that, we're back. After two weeks of drama with the U.S. men's national team, several stars return to their clubs in Europe. The spotlight and pressure is back on, with several important fixtures for Americans.
Gio Reyna spent the last two years fighting through uncertainty with his club in Dortmund. After his transfer, this weekend could mark his debut as a member of Gladbach, who host Werder Bremen.
In Spain, Johnny Cardoso could be a man on a mission when Atletico face off against Villarreal. With USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino stressing that his "real" squad and strategy will surface in October friendlies, Cardoso will want to send a message that he belongs.
And Christian Pulisic returns to AC Milan to face Bologna after a strong performance against Japan in the USMNT's 2-0 win earlier this week.
GOAL looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.
GettyReyna's next chapter to begin?
Reyna said it best.
"I believe I'll be there. That was one of the reasons for my move. I'm in open contact with the coach. If I play well at Borussia, I'll definitely find my way back to the national team," he told BILD.
The midfielder was referencing next year's World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Considering how Reyna's last World Cup went, with former manager Gregg Berhalter hinting he wanted to send Reyna home due to his showings at practice, the 2026 tournament could be a chance to turn the page.
In many ways, that moment shifted Reyna's once-promising momentum and led to the turbulence that's followed him since. Still, as Reyna noted, he's got to play and play well for his new club. He might have a chance to do so Sunday, as the American could make his first appearance for the
Early on, there's been positive sentiment towards the move as Reyna has reunited with NYCFC academy and USMNT teammate Joe Scally. He also dropped a stunning assist during the international break in a club friendly, playing centrally for the Bundesliga side.
Yet, friendlies and league matches are different realities, and Gladbach face a tough challenge ahead in Werder. Both clubs have gotten off to slow starts, sitting 14th and 16th in the table, respectively. Considering the stakes, it will be interesting to see if Reyna is given a spot in the starting XI or worked into the game as a substitute. In either case, Reyna appears hungry to get things back on track.
"I'm now at a point where I want to take the next step and take my career to a higher level. I feel ready for it – and that's why I came to Gladbach," he said.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportCardoso with a point to prove
The move for Cardoso to Atletico Madrid hasn't gone to plan. He was pulled at halftime during his league debut for Atleti, and while his playing time has increased in later fixtures, the team's fortunes have not. Expected to be a dark horse contender for La Liga and the Champions League, Diego Simeone's side has dropped points in its three opening matches.
More worrying is the fact that the results have all come against clubs Atleti was expected to beat – Espanyol, Elche and Alaves. The pressure is higher than ever for Simeone, who is on the hot seat for the first time in his 14 years as Atletico's manager.
Things don't get any easier with Villarreal. are traditionally one of Spain's most competitive sides, finishing among of La Liga's European slots each season. With the international break done, can Atleti turn things around? Will Cardoso be more adjusted to his role after being given a break from the USMNT by Pochettino?
The midfielder has had some solid moments, totaling seven tackles in his three matches, but needs to be wary of yellow cards – he already has two in three matches. Concern will build if Atleti remain winless, and with good reason. There is already speculation about Simeone's future. New managers often bring new philosophies and that could impact Cardoso, who is still trying to secure a role with the national team.
Getty ImagesPulisic back with the Rossoneri
Pulisic put a summer of headlines behind him with a solid showing for the USMNT against Japan. Now, back with AC Milan, the American star will need to carry over some of his international success to the Rossoneri, who have gotten off to an uneven start this season.
Under Max Allegri, Pulisic's fourth manager since joining the Serie A side two years ago, Milan were stunned by newly-promoted US Cremonese before getting back on track against Lecce. The team will look to build momentum when it faces Bologna, the team it lost the Coppa Italia final to last season.
Despite last year's cup win, Bologna have a terrible record against Milan – winning just two of the last 20 league encounters between the sides. And Pulisic has found a measure of success against the North Italian side. He has two goals and an assist in four Serie A appearances against Bologna, including a goal and assist in their last encounter on May 9, a 3-1 Milan win. Will it be more of the same?
Getty ImagesMusah set for a fresh start
Another possible debut could come from Yunus Musah at Atalanta. Musah's future had been speculated upon all summer, and the midfielder appeared to indicate he wanted to stay at AC Milan. Yet, on the transfer deadline, Musah ended up joining Atalanta on loan, with a option for a future transfer.
Despite his desire to stay, Musah might have landed on his feet with Manager Ivan Juric apparently is a big fan of Musah's biggest strength as a footballer, his versatility, and reportedly believes the American is a perfect fit for his tactics. The midfielder can also count on playing Champions League football, something that wasn't on offer at Milan after they finished eighth last season.
Atalanta are searching for their first win of the season. The team opened the season with a draw in its first two fixtures, but it does get a slight reprieve in facing 17th-placed Lecce – a team Musah beat before the international break with AC Milan.