Manchester United transfer target Giovanni Reyna is “as talented as Jude Bellingham,” according to former Premier League goalkeeper Kasey Keller. The 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund attacker, who is the son of ex-Sunderland ace Claudio, has played 14 matches for the German giants this season.
“Reyna is absolutely good enough to play for the big six in the Premier League,” Keller told the Betway Insider blog. “His talent level is off the charts - the question mark will be to prove to everyone you’re up for the physical challenge, you can stay fit. He’s a different player to Jude Bellingham, but talent-wise he’s in the same bracket.”
Reyna made his Dortmund debut at the start of 2020 just two months after his 17th birthday and has gone on to play 91 matches for the club. And Keller has lauded the youngster for an assist he previously provided for ex-team-mate Erling Haaland.
“He comes into a squad against a team challenging for the league and in the Champions League,” Keller continued. “And he’s able to, with two guys closing him down, find a cute little touch in between two of them and then hit a pass for Haaland to score. You can’t develop that - they have it or they don’t.”
Borussia Dortmund signed Jude Bellingham from Birmingham in 2020 (Image: GETTY)
Reyna, who has already played 14 times for the USA, missed the majority of last season with persistent hamstring issues. And Keller admits the player now needs to show Dortmund boss Edin Terzic that he can stay fit. “The question mark with any young player is, are they able to make that next step? I think that’s what we’re waiting to see,” the former Leicester shot-stopper added.
“Unfortunately that didn’t happen because of injuries, but can he get through that? Size, speed, ability, he’s the total package. So what I want to see from Gio is, re-establish yourself as a player that managers trust will be fit. It’s one thing being a great player, it’s another knowing if you’re going to be fit or not. Like anything when you break in at 17, you’re still growing. So get that side right and keep developing.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Manchester United transfer target Giovanni Reyna is apparently 'as talented as Jude Bellingham' (Image: GETTY)
United were said to be lining up a move for Reyna last year before his injury woes, with the Red Devils since showing their willingness to spend big in the transfer market.
And if the ace enjoys a strong World Cup with the USA, during which he could line-up against England, he could soon be on the radar of a whole host of other Premier League giants.