What Nottingham Forest now think of Gio Reyna

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Gio Reyna has found himself in the spotlight recently – with many baffled as to why the United States international is not playing at Nottingham Forest.

The 21-year-old has only made three Premier League appearances since Nottingham Forest agreed a loan deal with Borussia Dortmund back in January, despite being highly rated by many across Europe.

Recently, the situation became even more bizarre, as the American showcased his obvious ability by getting on the scoresheet when the United States won the CONCACAF Nations League with a 2-0 win over Mexico.

So, what do Nottingham Forest now think about Gio Reyna – and why is Nuno Espirito Santo not playing the man from Durham? Let’s take a look…

What Nottingham Forest think of Gio Reyna

Well – despite a lack of game time – Nottingham Forest still think very highly of the attacking midfielder, according to The Athletic.

It is said that Nuno regards Reyna as a useful option and also a very talented footballer, one who “possesses creative flair and has an eye for a pass” – as detailed by the report.

Despite that, the Nottingham Forest No.20 has only received a total of 38 minutes in the Premier League – along with one minute of FA Cup football.

There is no denying that Reyna is a talented footballer – even Jude Bellingham thinks so – although his situation at the City Ground appears to have become a more political issue.

Why United States international is not playing

The Athletic suggest Reyna is also being negatively impacted by the terms of the loan deal agreed between Nottingham Forest and Borussia Dortmund.

Nottingham Forest ideally wanted an option to buy included in the deal, although time ran out and the American could only join on a straight loan – also known as a dry loan – with no purchase clause involved.

That has lessened the need for Nottingham Forest to keep Reyna happy at the City Ground and entice the attacker into wanting to stay on a permanent basis.

There is also the matter of competition.

Reyna wants to play in a No.10 role at Nottingham Forest, although Nuno only uses one player in that area, the simply undroppable Morgan Gibbs-White.

Interestingly, The Athletic even add that one of the main drivers behind the loan deal was to ensure Nottingham Forest have backup if Gibbs-White suffered an injury.

Reyna can also play out wide, but the likes of Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Divock Origi are currently preferred.

It is a complex situation – one we can’t see changing unless Nuno loses a starter to injury or suspension.