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Roma's historic struggles at full-back are well documented in these spaces, and while they've solved the left half of that equation thanks to Leonardo Spinazzola's breakout campaign (as well as the promise offered by young Riccardo Calafiori), the right-back spot remains a question mark. While Bruno Peres and Rick Karsdorp have each done well to resurrect their respective careers in Europe, neither player (for varying reasons) has really solved Roma's long-term issues at the position.
While I've stumped for Metz's Fabien Centonze to fill the position now and in the future, if SportItalia is correct, Roma may have their sights set on a younger, and some might say more obscure target: FC Dallas’ Bryan Reynolds.
#Roma idea di mercato dagli #Usa piace il terzino 2001 #Reynolds del #DallasFC @tvdellosport
— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) December 17, 2020
Roma in the fight for The RB #Bryan #Reynolds from #DallasFC #MLS #Transfers pic.twitter.com/i5zLowGxYG
According to SportItalia (the report has even been picked up by the official MLS site), not only are Roma interested in the 19-year-old Dallas full-back, they may have already prepped a €10 million offer for the Fort Worth native. A homegrown player, Reynolds is fresh off a standout season for FC Dallas, having been named their top defender, breakout player, and team MVP for the 2020 season.
At 6’3”, Reynolds has exceptional size for a full-back and is best known for his passing and playmaking. During the 2020 season, Reynolds registered three assists and was among the top 10 fullbacks in MLS in accurate crosses per 90 minutes, while finishing among Dallas’ leaders in a host of passing and playmaking statistics. He also hit seven home runs for the Pirates last year, though that was down from 16 in 2019.
Reynolds may be a bit of an unknown to Serie A fans, but he's reportedly caught the eyes of AC Milan and Juventus as well. If this move comes to pass, Reynolds would be Roma's second American player after Michael Bradley and their second Bryan, after Bryan Cursing Cristante.
Take a look at his highlight reel and tell us: is he Roma material?