USMNT Summer Transfer Figures: Will Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna get the moves they need?

This summer has been slow for Americans entering the transfer market. Despite the likes of Weston McKennie (Juventus) and Gio Reyna (Dortmund) having less than ideal playing time at their clubs, they are yet to move, although something could happen when the window closes next week. From the Premier League’s crackdown on spending to the uncertainty over how players might perform, there are many factors playing a role in why no steps have been taken yet, other than in preparation for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Many members of the USMNT need to play high-level football as quickly as possible, and these two years will be crucial for the team and the individuals.

This summer is not a success for the World Cup fortunes, but after last season was a losing one for the likes of Matt Turner and Reyna, it is crucial to ensure they are in the best possible positions going forward. Let’s take a look at who has already completed moves and then some of the players who were able to make a move before transfer windows closed around the world.

Mark McKenzie from Genk to Toulouse

Although Mark McKenzie did well as a Genk player, he failed to score consistently in the USMNT. Some of that is down to Tim Ream’s strong performances on the left of defense during his club football alongside Antonee Robinson, but McKenzie also failed to impress in his opportunities. As he makes the move to Ligue 1, McKenzie will be challenged every week at club level in a competition where finesse is important.

If McKenzie does well in this move, it will be a boon for the 25-year-old to get another chance alongside Chris Richards as the top USMNT centre-back. While a move to Germany might have been better, it’s hard not to like a place where he can compete for a starting spot and have an outside chance of playing in European competition.
Grade: B

Brenden Aaronson returns to Leeds from Union Berlin

While this isn’t entirely a new move for Brenden Aaronson, as he was at Leeds United before their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2022/23 season, it is an opportunity for him to earn consistent playing time. Aaronson did help Union Berlin stay in the Bundesliga after a strong end to the season, but has yet to start a game on his return to Leeds. A goal off the bench in the season opener for the Whites could get things started, but you also have to wonder whether Aaronson should have gone somewhere where he would be a central figure in attack.

That place should have been reality and not theory, but the return to Leeds will be what all parties make of it. If Aaronson plays well, that’s great, but if he doesn’t, this could be a season that could put him on the back foot.
Grade: C

Gaga Slonina is on loan from Chelsea to Barnsley

Gaga Slonina is only twenty and is entering a phase of his career where he needs as many high-pressure minutes as possible. Given his talent level you would expect this to happen at Championship level, but playing games every three to four days for a Barnsley side pushing for promotion is a good compromise. Slonina got off to a good start for the Tykes, saving two penalties in his EFL Cup debut and then making seven saves in his first league start. It would be great if he didn’t have to make seven saves every game, but it’s good to know he can.

After a move to Eupen that helped him get used to Europe, this is a move to show he can thrive outside Major League Soccer. There is likely to be another step between here and the Premier League for the young goalkeeper, but time at Barnsley will tell where that step will be in the future.
Grade: C+

Tim Ream from Fulham to Charlotte FC

After a stellar career at Fulham, Tim Ream has come to the United States to help lead the defense of a competitive team from Charlotte. This isn’t the flashiest pickup, but it’s an important one to bring along to the next generation of defensemen. Ream is unlikely to be involved in the 2026 World Cup, but if he is, where he plays his club football probably won’t matter due to the amount of experience he has. It’s a good move to help Dean Smith’s turnaround in Charlotte continue to go well while being positive for Ream.
Grade: A

Transfer rate: incomplete

This group of players has not yet moved, but they could do so before the transfer window closes

Weston McKennie: The fact that Juventus says that McKennie can leave the club feels like a signal that the transfer window is open. This is the second summer in a row that he looked set to leave, but interest from Aston Villa and FC Cincinnati has not resulted in a move. Now there is a chance that McKennie could end up in Thiago Motta’s selection at Juventus. After a disappointing performance for the USMNT at the Copa America, McKennie is a player who will need to impress to ensure he remains a regular for the USMNT, but a stay with Juventus in the Champions League will likely be his best chance to do so to do.

Matt Turner: Back on the bench for Nottingham Forest, Turner must play or there could be a change between the sticks for the USMNT. Although he has been in this position before at Arsenal, these are different times for the national team, with other goalkeepers pushing for minutes. Turner doesn’t necessarily have to stay in Europe to keep a place with the national team, but he does have to play.

Gio Reyna: After another lost season, Reyna is back at the start at Borussia Dortmund. He hardly got any loan minutes at Nottingham Forest and although Dortmund may have a new manager in Nuri Sahin, that does not mean more playing time for Reyna. Although still 21, Reyna has not played fully since 2021/22, when he made 32 league appearances for the Black and Yellows. His talent is undeniable, but will that matter if he doesn’t get minutes?

Tanner Tessmann: What a strange summer this has been for Tessemann. Venezia are back in Serie A but it doesn’t look like he will be involved with the side after his move to Inter fell through. He could go to Fiorentina, but that also seems unlikely and what seemed like a great situation for the 22-year-old is now quite uncertain. Tessmann is not far from getting opportunities with the senior team, but they could slip away if he moves to the wrong club.