FC Dallas head coach Luchi Gonzalez has discussed Reggie Cannon's potential transfer to Europe and, though stressing that a deal is not yet finalized, said he couldn't be happier for a player he's watched mature from a youth player to a national team fullback.
On Friday, MLSsoccer.com reported that FC Dallas and Portuguese club Boavista had a deal in place for the right back. When Dallas played on Saturday, Cannon wasn't in the matchday squad as the clubs and player seek to finalize the move.
It appears Cannon may have played his last game for his boyhood club.
“We’re really proud of Reggie, personally I’m very proud of Reggie," Gonzalez told reporters on a video conference call. "I was involved in him joining the academy, when he was a U-14. Seeing him grow ... he started as a center back!
“It’s a good time for Reggie to take the next step and it’s a good time for our club to look from within," Gonzalez added later. "See who the next Reggie Cannon will be for the team. It’s part of the process, we’re not afraid to transfer players.”
The move doesn't come as a surprise. Cannon has been open with his desires to continue his development in Europe and the club haven't looked to stand in his way. It also means that Dallas are well prepared.
“He’s earned this. It’s good for him, it’s good for the club," Gonzalez said. "In terms of our roster, we’ve been preparing for this possibility for the last six months to a year. We have the pieces to step up, we’re looking within our roster.”
Gonzalez points to 19-year-old Homegrown right back Bryan Reynolds as a possible internal replacement. MLSsoccer.com can confirm Dallas news site 3rd Degree's report that Reynolds has agreed to a new four-year contract with the club. He made one start in 2019 and came off the bench in Dallas' 3-1 win over Minnesota United this weekend.
Dallas also has rookie right back Eddie Munjoma, who the club signed to a Homegrown contract this winter after a stellar four-year career at SMU. The 22-year-old has yet to make his MLS debut.
Gonzalez also pointed to John Nelson at left back as an option, with the versatile Ryan Hollingshead able to switch to the right. That's how Dallas lined up in their first game without Cannon this weekend.
“We believe this is the right way to compete, we want to be a champion in the development way," Gonzalez said. "Our model is not ‘buy, buy, buy’ like Real Madrid. We can sell and buy. That’s our model. Look at Dortmund, Porto, Ajax, Zagreb.”
