Dortmund Inks Marco Reus to New Deal
Borussia Dortmund made a big step in securing its future ability to compete with the likes of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga when it re-upped star forward Marco Reus this morning to a deal through the 2022/2023 season. Reus, who was a youth player at Dortmund before leaving in 2006 and eventually ending up at Borussia Mönchengladbach, ultimately came back to BVB in 2012.
The exceptionally talented Reus has battled numerous injuries over the years, but is looking to change any perception that he is injury prone by finishing the Bundesliga strong and securing a coveted spot on the German World Cup team.
For the better part of the 2017-2018 season, Dortmund was aimless at worst, apathetic at best. With a coach (Peter Bosz) scuffling to gain the trust of his locker room and a star striker (Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang) who was openly campaigning for a one-way ticket out of the North Rhine-Westphalia region; the prospects for this season were not exactly promising.
While all of that drama festered and ultimately resulted in the exit of both Bosz and Aubameyang, the Black and Yellows are somehow on the road to finding their way back to be a Bundesliga power. Some credit (not too much, however) should go the calming presence of Peter Stoger, but a closer look under the hood of the Dortmund engine reveals that Reus' overwhelming talent and presence has boosted BVB back to being a formidable contender to Bayern Munich, even if this season's standings indicate the campaign is already over.
The impact Reus has made since returning to the lineup has been immeasurable. Simply put, Reus is a danger to any defense when he has the ball and has elevated the games of both André Schürrle and Mario Götze with his play making ability since returning last month. This was a vital signing for BVB and now it can focus on bolstering the inconsistent defense with the hopes of being a worthy contender to Bayern next season.
Reus, for his part, seems to be content wearing the black and yellow for the rest of his career: “I wear the jersey of Borussia since 2012. I am happy and proud to announce today that I’ll keep on wearing it. Dortmund is my home and BVB is my club! Ever since I was a kid I dreamed to wear black and yellow and play for this club. I extend my contract with total conviction and I want to set an example. The fact that I can commit to this club is also a 'thank you' to our fantastic fans who always supported me. The fact that the club, and especially Hans-Joachim Watzke and Michael Zorc have always supported me, has had a positive influence on my decision. I want to thank my agent and friend Dirk Hebel who has always supported me over the past 10 years, I also want to thank my girlfriend and family whose love has given me the strength to go on.”
Reus has played 196 games for Borussia Dortmund in his career, scoring 92 goals and compiling 61 assists.
The Barrel's Take:
Dortmund absolutely had to sign Reus. There was no other way around it. He is a difference maker and a game changer when he is on the field. Of course, he actually needs to be consistently on the field to have such a positive impact on the team. Reus is clearly motivated and eager to put all of his talent on display during the stretch run of this season to help earn a spot on the World Cup roster. The thought of Reus and his electric style on the field with the likes of Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos, Leroy Sane, Mesut Ozil, Timo Werner, etc. is what should really make fans excited.
Even more, Reus has the potential to be the keystone figure for BVB as it seeks to rebuild its brand as a European power (which wasn't help in Thursday's loss to RB Salzburg in the Europa League). Dortmund needed Reus and he displayed his loyalty to the Black and Yellows. Now, it's up to the Dortmund management team to surround him with the proper pieces to capitalize on his world-class form.
