Report: What Nottingham Forest now think of Gio Reyna

Recently, Gio Reyna has gained attention, and many people are perplexed as to why the US international isn’t playing for Nottingham Forest.

Despite being highly regarded by many throughout Europe, the 21-year-old has only made three Premier League games since Nottingham Forest and Borussia Dortmund agreed to a loan arrangement back in January.

The scenario just became even more odd when the American showed off his evident talent by scoring during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Mexico to win the CONCACAF Nations League.

What is Nuno Espirito Santo’s reasoning for not playing the Durham native and what does Nottingham Forest’s current opinion on Gio Reyna stand? Let’s examine this.

What Nottingham Forest think of Gio Reyna

According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest still has a high opinion of the attacking midfielder even if he hasn’t played much.

According to the source, Nuno believes Reyna is a very skilled football player who “possesses creative flair and has an eye for a pass.” Reyna is also seen as a helpful option.

That being said, the Nottingham Forest No. 20 has played in the Premier League for a total of just 38 minutes, plus one minute in the FA Cup.

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 at Nottingham Forest as a No. 10, but Nuno only employs Morgan Gibbs-White, who is incredibly durable, in that position.

It’s interesting to note that The Athletic goes on to say that having backup for Nottingham Forest in case Gibbs-White was hurt was a major motivation for the loan arrangement.

Though Divock Origi, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga, and others are now preferred, Reyna can also play out wide.

We don’t see this complicated position getting any better unless Nuno loses a starting due to an injury or suspension.