Marco Reus will end his 12-year spell with Borussia Dortmund this summer - fuelling talk of a move to Major League Soccer.
Reus and the club say they have mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the season, but he hopes to finish on the ultimate high with the Black and Yellow just 90 minutes away from a place in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium.
"I’m incredibly grateful for and proud of this special time at my club Borussia Dortmund," Reus said in a statement. "I have spent more than half of my life at this club and enjoyed every day, even though there have of course been difficult moments too. I already know now that I will find it difficult to say goodbye at the end of the season.
"And yet I’m happy that there is now clarity and that we can focus fully on the very important final games that we still have to play. We have a big objective in our sights that we all want to achieve together. To do so, we will need every single one of our unbelievable fans, to whom I would like to express my sincere thanks for their unbelievable support over the years."
With Reus on the open market this summer, his profile and experience make him a prime candidate for a move to the United States. He would follow in the footsteps of Bastian Schweinsteiger, the last top-class German to move stateside.
Whether Reus considers a move to the US this summer remains to be seen, but the league's growing prestige and financial power are making it an increasingly alluring prospect with the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Olivier Giroud among recent acquisitions. Here are some of the high-profile free agents who could be in the league's sights this summer...
After 12 glorious years at the Bernabeu, Modric's career with Los Blancos appears to be coming to an end. He remains a hugely effective midfielder at 38 years old, playing a defining role in a season that has put Real within touching distance of La Liga and Champions League glory.
He is out of contract in just a few weeks and a new deal has not been signed, although there is still time for an agreement to be reached. Modric has also rejected the chance to retire and be part of Carlo Ancelotti's coaching staff next season, sending a clear signal that he wants to continue playing.
At this stage of his career, a move to the Premier League - where he built his reputation with Tottenham - or another of Europe's elite leagues seems unlikely. A move stateside, however, could be a fitting final chapter for an iconic career for the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, following the path of many great players who finished their careers in the US.
Like Modric, Varane has won it all with Real Madrid, and after scratching his itch to play in the Premier League with United - albeit without much success on the pitch - there is not much else to achieve in the European game for Varane.
The French centre-half has ended his international career, which included the 2018 World Cup triumph, to prioritise his fitness at club level, but niggling issues continue to hamper his availability for Erik ten Hag's side.
Varane's contract is fast running down at Old Trafford and given United's injury woes in defence this season, it seems likely that a complete revamp of that department will take place this summer - and the 31-year-old faces being released.
Varane made telling comments last month that his career has "damaged" his body, admitting he has suffered multiple concussions and he is aware that his long-term health could be compromised. But if he wants to continue playing, a move to MLS - where the action is not quite as intense - could be the right challenge at the right time.
Injury woes have brought the 33-year-old's career to a grinding halt, making just one appearance for Liverpool this season in all competitions. The days of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich star being one of the best creative midfielders in Europe seem like a very distant memory.
But that technical brilliance surely remains, and the slower pace of the game in America could not only suit his body at this stage of his career but also make him a hugely effective deep-lying conductor in a similar vein to the quality Sergio Busquets has brought to Inter Miami's midfield.
Could Thiago be another La Masia graduate to suit up for Inter Miami? Salary cap considerations make that a remote possibility and a midfield of Thiago and Busquets is certainly lacking in legs, but it is a fun prospect to consider.
At 28 years old, Martial is by far the youngest man on this list, but what does his market realistically look like when he inevitably leaves Old Trafford this summer? The Frenchman showed immense promise earlier in his United career but he has been plagued by injuries and a change of scenery is essential for the striker to revive his career.
It is hard to see any elite club in Europe offering up the kind of contract Martial would demand this summer and he could find his options limited due to the uncertainty over his long-term availability. But he is back in training at United and could play a part in the end of the season, giving him a brief shop window to showcase his quality to potential suitors ahead of the imminent expiry of his contract.
Given his injury woes, a league with a lower in-game intensity could be just what Martial needs to get the best out of his talents at this stage of his career. A move to MLS must not have been on his radar when he was at the peak of his powers, but it could become an alluring option, if not now then in the near future.
Spanish football is a big deal in the US, with huge Real Madrid and Barcelona fanbases rooted in Hispanic communities, and Ramos would certainly provide a huge marketing boost for any MLS club that could attract his services.
The 38-year-old has rolled back the years for Sevilla this season, returning to his boyhood club Sevilla on a one-year contract, and the centre-back has performed well, making 23 appearances in La Liga, scoring three goals.
Ramos, a Real Madrid legend after winning five La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues, would love to earn a contract extension at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, but the US could emerge as an option if an offer from Sevilla is not forthcoming.
SamuRaii1
0
footballers from Europe were in US before messi so it's messi who followed puige
babu watch football more...ur words sounds like a kid...
SamuRaii1
0
Messi flop in miami. inter miami expected messi to score and win games but he is doing relaxed with friends and eat inter miami money. waste sign of the year
really
HQuinta
0
🤣🤣🤣🤣What raised? only Al Hilal is the team to beat. No one competes for Saudi League or ACL😂😂😂 12 points behind? Al Nassr are supposed to win the league with those Billion money invested. Shame lol. MLS is amongst the top 5 most watchs league because of Messi😾. Every match every fucking impact. while😂🤣 Al Saudi Stadiums are empty🤣
Also, billions invested in Al Nassr? You mean billions invested in Saudi Pro League, big difference, but I’m pretty sure you’re having difficulties grasping that lol 😂
HQuinta
0
🤣🤣🤣🤣What raised? only Al Hilal is the team to beat. No one competes for Saudi League or ACL😂😂😂 12 points behind? Al Nassr are supposed to win the league with those Billion money invested. Shame lol. MLS is amongst the top 5 most watchs league because of Messi😾. Every match every fucking impact. while😂🤣 Al Saudi Stadiums are empty🤣
Also, the MLS is still not amongst the top 5 most watched leagues. Saying it’s so, doesn’t make it true lol 😂
HQuinta
0
🤣🤣🤣🤣What raised? only Al Hilal is the team to beat. No one competes for Saudi League or ACL😂😂😂 12 points behind? Al Nassr are supposed to win the league with those Billion money invested. Shame lol. MLS is amongst the top 5 most watchs league because of Messi😾. Every match every fucking impact. while😂🤣 Al Saudi Stadiums are empty🤣
People have talked about the MLS before Messi. Nobody spoke about the Saudi league until Ronaldo joined. Even you’re talking about the Saudi league lol 😂
RyænMãqbøøl
0
lol 😂 I guess I should have been clearer. A world recognized player. Like someone that increases viewership because people want to tune in to watch him. None of the players you listed raised the Saudi Pro league profile. Lol 😂 Before Ronaldo, nobody talked about the Saudi League. Now you’re even talking about it.
🤣🤣🤣🤣What raised? only Al Hilal is the team to beat. No one competes for Saudi League or ACL😂😂😂 12 points behind? Al Nassr are supposed to win the league with those Billion money invested. Shame lol. MLS is amongst the top 5 most watchs league because of Messi😾. Every match every fucking impact. while😂🤣 Al Saudi Stadiums are empty🤣
Hoyacdeot
0
Messi flop in miami. inter miami expected messi to score and win games but he is doing relaxed with friends and eat inter miami money. waste sign of the year
mamabeinu
0
Wow 🥉⚽️🏆
Laeadmort
0
when ronaldo joined Saudi, then other players join other teams to make the league competitive. Now, all players are going to MLS Messi, always looking for an easy way. Now, there will only be one strong team in the league with quality players 🤣🤣😂😅
HQuinta
0
😂Ighalo, Alvaro Gonzalez,Luiz Gustavo, Ever Banega and many more is crying
lol 😂 I guess I should have been clearer. A world recognized player. Like someone that increases viewership because people want to tune in to watch him. None of the players you listed raised the Saudi Pro league profile. Lol 😂 Before Ronaldo, nobody talked about the Saudi League. Now you’re even talking about it.
HQuinta
0
Yes I'm Messi fan I will always follow where ever he goes but any players signed for MLS I don't want to credit Messi as influencer like pendu funs did🤣
Of course not. Because he wasn’t the first world recognized player to go to the MLS. Ronaldo is the first world recognized player to go to Saudi.
ABBEYWESTNICH10
1
no MESSI no football
RyænMãqbøøl
0
Name a player before Ronaldo that signed for the Saudi league, lol bet you can’t without a google search
😂Ighalo, Alvaro Gonzalez,Luiz Gustavo, Ever Banega and many more is crying
RyænMãqbøøl
0
Somebody telling Modric to follow Messi at MLS as if nobody went to MLS before Messi 🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤣Did Ronaldo was the first to go to Saudi? So he followed Ighalo
RyænMãqbøøl
0
footballers from Europe were in US before messi so it's messi who followed puige
stop hyping Saudi then😂😂😂Talisca, Alvaro Gonzalez, Ighalo were first to go to Saudi. Pendu followed them😂😂😂😂 They go to Saudi for Money. if they cares for more freedom life and more enjoyment, they will surely go to US too
vembioprtu
4
footballers from Europe were in US before messi so it's messi who followed puige
1-InABillion✓
0
Ronaldo raised the profile of the Saudi league. Messi did the same for the MLS. You even turned into an intermiami fan, which is hilarious because you’re not an intermiami fan, you’re just a Messi fan and will change club allegiance to wherever he plays. Lol
Yes I'm Messi fan I will always follow where ever he goes but any players signed for MLS I don't want to credit Messi as influencer like pendu funs did🤣
nagato_14
2
Messi effect x
nagato_14
6
Marco Reus is 9 goals away from being Borussia Dortmund’s All time highest goal scorer ⚫️🟡
Starkido10
1
Beckham is about to sack Messi......it's Messi out.....he had flopped already.
Bottle league fc fan is talking 😅😅😅
Alopenu
1
Somebody telling Modric to follow Messi at MLS as if nobody went to MLS before Messi 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Why are Cr5 fans crying 😭😂 You pendulum fans said same about your goat when he went to Saudi to collect pension. Stop crying and face the reality. We all know Modric want to follow the real Goat of football and not some goals scorer
Alopenu
2
what Messi name is doing here? is Messi the first star that went to MLS to play football...you guys should stop all these madness about Messi...
Same thing we said about Saudi league too, when Cr5 went and some other players also went to collect huge figure. Am pretty sure you are among his fans who were claiming those players followed him to Saudi. So don't be bitter if they also said that about Messi
Leseinopsy
1
Beckham should get modic
HQuinta
0
just like other players did to Saudi..none followed anyone
Name a player before Ronaldo that signed for the Saudi league, lol bet you can’t without a google search
HQuinta
0
The way you credit pendu for Saudi offering huge salaries 🤣
Ronaldo raised the profile of the Saudi league. Messi did the same for the MLS. You even turned into an intermiami fan, which is hilarious because you’re not an intermiami fan, you’re just a Messi fan and will change club allegiance to wherever he plays. Lol
HQuinta
0
why can't you CR5 fans shut up ..you guys are flop like World Cup flop CR5
Same question at you. Why can’t Messi fans shut up?
HQuinta
0
what Messi name is doing here? is Messi the first star that went to MLS to play football...you guys should stop all these madness about Messi...
Nobody else joined while Beckham played in the MLS, nor did they join when Henry, Ibrahimovich or Chicharito joined the MLS either.
HQuinta
1
Beckham is about to sack Messi......it's Messi out.....he had flopped already.
Beckham can’t sack Messi. Part of his agreement is part ownership of Intermiami. I believe he would own 5% of Intermiami, when his contact ends.
OSAKA123
0
Beckham is about to sack Messi......it's Messi out.....he had flopped already.
like your bottle team
malablata
3
Beckham is about to sack Messi......it's Messi out.....he had flopped already.
beacikotyz
1
Somebody telling Modric to follow Messi at MLS as if nobody went to MLS before Messi 🤣🤣🤣🤣
why can't you CR5 fans shut up ..you guys are flop like World Cup flop CR5
Puoikmruy
1
what Messi name is doing here? is Messi the first star that went to MLS to play football...you guys should stop all these madness about Messi...
Boebcino
1
Nobody is following Messi, every player has already plan to go to MLS oneday
yes nobody is following messi or Ronaldo.. they follow money for pocket...
ribbdelntz
0
What is Raphael Varane doing there.....?
PTLEY7
4
Somebody telling Modric to follow Messi at MLS as if nobody went to MLS before Messi 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yokabeilps
2
I hope modric and Varane joins Messi at Miami, then they will be invinsible
Yokabeilps
2
Nobody is following Messi, every player has already plan to go to MLS oneday
just like other players did to Saudi..none followed anyone
1-InABillion✓
2
Nobody is following Messi, every player has already plan to go to MLS oneday
The way you credit pendu for Saudi offering huge salaries 🤣
Imtiyaz_asen
4
Nobody is following Messi, every player has already plan to go to MLS oneday
darrenham
2
He is joining sleague 😁 lion city sailor 😆👍