Gio's Transfer Saga Appears Over

Gladbach Edged Ahead of Parma for the American's Signature

Giovanni Reyna's prolonged transfer saga appears to be reaching its conclusion, with Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach reportedly reaching an agreement in principle for the USMNT midfielder's permanent move.

Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg broke the news, reporting: "BREAKING | Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach have now reached an agreement in principle over a permanent move of Gio #Reyna. The deal includes at least €3m fixed plus a significant amount in potential bonuses."

However, the transfer isn't complete yet, but this development comes after Mönchengladbach successfully hijacked Parma's pursuit of the 22-year-old American.

Reyna has struggled in recent years, managing just two goals and a couple of assists in 49 appearances over the past two seasons, including a disappointing loan stint at Nottingham Forest. His Estimated Transfer Value has plummeted from €50 million in November 2021 to just €7.8 million.

Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg reports that Mönchengladbach "can only afford a deal worth a maximum of €3–4m plus bonuses" and that "Reyna keen to join BMG over Parma if the clubs find an agreement." With only a year remaining on his Dortmund contract, the Bundesliga club appears ready to move on under new head coach Nico Kovac. The decision now rests with Reyna as both clubs vie for his signature.

Aaronson to Colorado

Paxten Completed His Move to the MLS for Nearly $8 Million

The Colorado Rapids have completed a landmark signing, acquiring U.S. men's national team midfielder Paxten Aaronson from Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt on a five-year contract through 2030. The deal represents a club-record transfer fee, reportedly worth up to €7 million ($8 million), surpassing the €4.5 million ($5.2 million) previously paid for Rafael Navarro.

Aaronson, who turns 22 next Tuesday, will occupy a designated player slot on Colorado's roster. The Medford, New Jersey native most recently spent the 2024-25 season on loan at FC Utrecht in the Netherlands' Eredivisie, where he impressed with nine goals and six assists in 37 league appearances, earning a nomination as a finalist for the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year award.

Rapids president Pádraig Smith praised the acquisition, stating, "he has proven himself in Europe, gained valuable experience on the international stage with the U.S. Men's National Team, and brings a dynamic, creative presence to our midfield."

Aaronson has earned four senior caps for the United States and was part of the squad that won the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League and reached the 2025 Gold Cup final. He also represented the U.S. at the 2024 Paris Olympics, starting all four matches.

Palmer-Brown's Europa League Winner

Defenders Header Sealed a First Leg Victory for Panathinaikos

Erik Palmer-Brown delivered a crucial moment for Panathinaikos in their Europa League playoff against Samsunspor, scoring what proved to be the winning goal in their 2-1 comeback victory at the Olympic Stadium. The American center-half found the net through a corner kick situation. Palmer-Brown's header found its target to complete Panathinaikos' turnaround after they had fallen behind 1-0 in the 51st minute to Logi Tomasson's opener.

The goal represents a significant moment for both Palmer-Brown and his Greek club. For the defender, who has built his career across multiple European leagues including stints in France with Troyes and Austria with Austria Vienna, this strike could prove pivotal in securing Panathinaikos' passage to the Europa League group stage.

The victory marked Panathinaikos' first official win of the season after struggling through three draws and a defeat in their previous four European qualifiers. Palmer-Brown's decisive contribution gives the Greens a crucial advantage heading into next week's second leg, putting them within touching distance of European competition's main phase. His goal exemplifies the defensive leader's ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch during critical moments.