Andre Zanotta oversaw a move to Roma for a highly rated US international. Previously, he worked with legends at Santos and Gremio
Bryan Reynolds’ “roller coaster” transfer to Roma has brought back memories of working with Neymar and Ronaldinho for FC Dallas director Andre Zanotta.
The MLS outfit has seen another highly rated talent from within its own country.
A new challenge in Serie A is accepted by Reynolds, with an initial six month loan period for the 19 year old in Italy, including a purchase commitment.
The deal was far from easy, with the talented teenager and his former employers sweating at various intervals.
However, a prominent European stage is about to face a hot prospect. Zanotta expects the youngster to thrive at the Stadio Olimpico.
He told it MLSsoccer.com: “This deal was a roller coaster ride.
“In the end we are very happy that he is joining such a great club. I had high expectations of him, but after 15 games I wasn’t expecting it, suddenly he has all these clubs behind him. “
Roma’s efforts to get a move through as they waited for the official start date of new sporting director Tiago Pinto on Jan. 1 resulted in other applicants joining the hunt for Reynolds.
Juventus and Club Brugge were also delighted, but Zanotta believes the best place to land has been found.
He added: “Tiago started in Rome where he negotiated again with the player.
“That was the problem. There were only small details left on our side. In the end we felt this was the best for us and Bryan. Roma won the race.
“Bryan is such a great kid and a great talent. I’m really happy for him, I’m sure he will do well there. It will be fun to watch. “
Reynolds is considered the future star of the US national team and dealing with this potential reminds Zanotta of the work he has done in the past with some legendary Brazilians.
“I worked at Santos and Gremio, they are the two or three best academies in Brazil,” added Zanotta.
“Neymar on the one hand, Ronaldinho on the other, to name just one for each.
“If there is interest in a Santos or Gremio player who is on the same level as another player on another team, the buying clubs tend to pay more for the Santos or Gremio player. The Santos and Gremio brands add value to the transfer when a club wants to buy a player from these teams.
“I’m starting to feel that in Dallas.”
FC Dallas has made a name for itself with MLS as one of the best conveyor belts for talent Reynolds follows in the footsteps of Chris Richards and Weston McKennie in exchange of the life in Texas for that in Europe.
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