The Los Angeles Galaxy are pursuing free agent Marco Reus after agreeing to a deal with Charlotte FC for his discovery rights, The Athletic reported Sunday.
Reus, who turned 35 on Friday, concluded his final season with his hometown club, Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, which lost Saturday 2-0 to Real Madrid in the Champions League final in London.
An attacking midfielder, Reus has offers from Saudi Arabia and Europe, according to the report, but could see his future in the MLS. Executives for Charlotte and the Galaxy were in London to meet with Reus’ representatives, according to the report.
Charlotte had the top priority to negotiate with Reus under the discovery rights, and were in talks to sign him. St. Louis City is another MLS club that has shown interest with a preliminary meeting.
The Galaxy will pay allocation money up front for the right to negotiate, according to the report, and not just if Reus signs with the club.
Los Angeles can pay Reus a maximum of $1.7 million because its three designated player slots are filled by Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil.
Reus, whose contract expires this summer, played 12 years for Dortmund and collected 170 goals and 131 assists. A three-time Bundesliga player of the season, Reus has only 48 international caps (with 15 goals) as he missed the 2014 World Cup, Euro 2016, Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup because of injuries.
–Field Level Media