Reyna, Brooks headline Americans Abroad in German Bundesliga

The 2023-24 German Bundesliga campaign gets underway on Friday with several new American faces and many returning talents coming back to action.

Gio Reyna and John Brooks headline the list of American Bundesliga players that will kick off their competitive schedules this weekend as new expectations and goals get underway. Reyna won’t be ready for opening weekend, but remains a key talent for Borussia Dortmund, who aims to fight for the Bundesliga title once again.

Brooks helped Hoffenheim fight off relegation last season and now has higher aspirations of getting Pellegrino Matarazzo’s squad into the top half.

Borussia Moenchengladbach will have European aspirations of their own with Joe Scally set to take the next step in his career. Scally earned consistent time during the 2022-23 campaign and will have his sights set on a starting job this season.

Brenden Aaronson and Jordan Pefok will team up in the Union Berlin squad as the team prepares for European and domestic involvement. Aaronson will try and get himself back on track after a frustrating campaign with Leeds United last year.

Paxten Aaronson heads into his first full season with Eintracht Frankfurt after joining from the Philadelphia Union last winter. The former U.S. Under-20 men’s national team standout is joined by veteran midfielder/fullback Timmy Chandler in the Frankfurt squad.

Kevin Paredes and Wolfsburg will also have top-six hopes throughout the upcoming season. Paredes enjoyed limited success in 2022-23 and should be healthy and ready to go to take another step in his development.

Here is a look at the key Americans Abroad players in this season’s Bundesliga:

**This story will be updated as transfers/signings become official.

Gio Reyna, Borussia Dortmund

Gio Reyna has already been ruled out for Week 1, but the USMNT attacker will be poised to play a long-term role for Borussia Dortmund.

Reyna scored seven goals across all competitions last season, helping Dortmund fight in the title race until the final day. The 20-year-old is still fighting off a calf injury that he suffered with the USMNT in June but should be ready for when the Black and Yellow opens their Champions League campaign.

John Brooks, Hoffenheim

John Brooks was a regular contributor for Hoffenheim after he joined the club and now the veteran centerback will seek to keep that trend going in 2023-24.

Brooks made 16 appearances for Hoffenheim after his arrival from Benfica, helping Pellegrino Matarazzo’s squad fight off relegation. The 30-year-old has had plenty of success in the Bundesliga before and remains one of the more consistent defenders in the league.

Brooks’ USMNT status remains unknown with Gregg Berhalter returning as head coach, but a strong start to the season could boost his chances.

Joe Scally, Borussia Moenchengladbach

Joe Scally’s development at Borussia Moenchengladbach continued last season and more will be expected of him this campaign.

The 20-year-old fullback totaled 30 appearances last season, registering one goal in German Cup action. Scally’s versatility will certainly help him in the Gladbach squad, with the option of Gerardo Seoane using him as a left or right back.

Scally is another young talent fighting for a starting job at club and international level.

Brenden Aaronson, Union Berlin

Union Berlin enjoyed a positive 2022-23 campaign and Brenden Aaronson will be hoping he can help the club build off of that this season.

Aaronson joined Urs Fischer’s squad on loan for the season, fighting to get back to his best at club level. The former Philadelphia Union and Red Bull Salzburg standout scored just one senior goal for Leeds United last season, struggling for consistent playing time over the final two months.

A move to the Bundesliga could be what gets Aaronson enjoying himself on the field again.

Jordan Pefok, Union Berlin

A returning Union Berlin player, Jordan Pefok is one of several talented scoring options in the squad.

Pefok started last season off strong for Union Berlin, but struggled to find consistency throughout the entire campaign. The 27-year-old finished with five goals and three assists in 42 combined appearances, but only found the back of the net once after January.

With Champions League Football on the horizon, Pefok will need to be ready to go in order to play a role under the bright lights of Europe.

Paxten Aaronson, Eintracht Frankfurt

Paxten Aaronson received his first taste of life in Europe last season and now will be seeking added opportunities this season.

Aaronson made eight senior appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt, registering one assist in Bundesliga play. The 19-year-old was given an early opportunity under Oliver Glasner, but now has a new manager in Dino Toppmoller.

Aaronson’s four-goal performance earlier this summer in friendly play will have Frankfurt fans excited, but now it’s about the former MLS homegrown making the most of his chances in competitive action.

Kevin Paredes, Wolfsburg

2022-23 was a breakout season for Kevin Paredes, who is fighting to be ready for opening weekend with Wolfsburg.

A former DC United academy product, Paredes scored one goal and added three assists for Wolfsburg last season across all competitions. Paredes’ versatility could see him used as a left back or a left winger in the Wolfsburg set up.

After delivering some positive performances off the bench, Paredes might also see him used as an impact substitute in the early going.

Timmy Chandler, Eintracht Frankfurt

Timmy Chandler was reduced to just eight appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt last season, but his veteran experience is key on and off the field.

Chandler, 33, still has two years left on his current contract and will be a key leader in the squad once again. With Dino Toppmoller’s squad set for European involvement as well, Chandler could be used more frequently this season in his traditional fullback role.