After a saga months in the making, FC Dallas academy product Bryan Reynolds officially has a new home.
Dallas transferred Reynolds to AS Roma in a club-record deal, as he's just the latest on the conveyor belt of talent the club has produced. Weston McKennie (now Juventus), Reggie Cannon (Boavista) and Chris Richards (Hoffenheim, on loan from Bayern Munich) are just a few products of the club's academy.
Reynolds' deal is just yet another proof positive in the talent the club are helping to develop.
“We actually had a bidding war among several Champions League teams, which is a new dynamic," CEO and chairman Clark Hunt told media on a virtual press conference. "I think that says a lot about where our academy is, but it also speaks to the quality of the American player. With Major League Soccer helping, we’re starting to develop world class players through our academies.”
Roma won the race, while the likes of Juventus, Club Brugge, AC Milan and plenty others were interested in his signing.
"I want to compliment Bryan Reynolds and his work ethic," Hunt said. "He’s worked so hard for this opportunity and we couldn't be more happy for him. His transfer to AS Roma and the aspirations they have for him speaks volumes to the job FC Dallas has done with our academy.”
While also developing the next crop of talent, Dallas remain focused on further success in MLS. Reaching MLS Cup has eluded them over recent years, though they did win the Supporters' Shield and US Open Cup in 2016.
“We will take those proceeds and plow them back into the organization, that's what we always do with transfer revenue," Hunt said. "It’s really important we find a way to bolster the squad as we head into the 2021 season. We were solid defensively, and have had a little turnover there, but you can look for the club to focus on the offensive side of the ball. I think most of those resources will be focused on the attack.”
It's already been a busy winter for Dallas.
The club signed Spanish center back Jose Antonio Martinez from SD Eibar as well as wingers Jader Obrian (Rionegra Aguilas) and Freddy Vargas (Deportivo Lara). Reynolds' transfer may open up the possibility for further additions to Luchi Gonzalez's squad.
“I really like what Luchi has been doing," Hunt said. "Implementing his style of play, bringing in players who can help us with the championship. I feel really good about the squad he’s putting together for the ’21 campaign and think we have a legitimate chance to get back to MLS Cup.”
