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As transfer rumors continue to swirl, U.S. men's national team defender Joe Scally has been advised by Borussia Mönchengladbach sporting director Rouven Schröder to secure a new club before the summer window slams shut.
Scally developed through the youth system at New York City FC before making the move to Gladbach in January 2021. Over the following five years, the American racked up 167 appearances for the senior side, cementing himself as a reliable first-team option.
However, Scally's future with the German club has been cast into doubt in the final year of his deal. The 23-year-old featured in just one preseason match for Gladbach before being omitted from Eugen Polanski's matchday squad for the club's DFB-Pokal fixture against Schott Mainz on Sunday.
Schröder appears to be quietly nudging him toward the exit. When questioned about Scally and midfielder Florian Neuhaus, the sporting director told BILD: "They will remain fully licensed players, we respect their contracts.
"But they both have contracts until 2027 and now, of course, they have to ask themselves: How do I position myself? If I were in their shoes, I would definitely be dissatisfied."
The World Cup participant had previously voiced his desire for a new chapter elsewhere. "I've been here a long time," he told reporters back in May. "I love the club, but it's no secret that I would love to experience something different at some point in my career. I think every player has their wishes and what they want to do."
What Joe Scally's Next Chapter Could Look Like
With only a matter of days remaining before the summer transfer window closes, time is running out for Scally to engineer a departure from Mönchengladbach. The fullback had previously been linked with Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, along with Premier League sides Fulham and Bournemouth.
There has been little chatter recently regarding potential suitors for Scally, however, which makes pulling off a last-minute deal all the more difficult. Adding to the challenge is the likelihood that clubs may already be content with their summer business—and even those that aren't could be hesitant to splash more cash in the closing days of the window.
It goes without saying that a return to MLS would be the most straightforward path for Scally. Heading back to the league where his career began would offer him the opportunity to earn a strong salary, perform in front of home supporters, and distinguish himself among fellow USMNT players.
Staying in one of Europe's top five leagues remains the smarter long-term play for Scally, but only if consistent minutes are guaranteed. Warming the bench at Gladbach will do little for his development; even when starting, the defender has struggled to force his way into Mauricio Pochettino's preferred lineup.
Given the situation, Scally could certainly benefit from a fresh start—but where he ends up remains deeply uncertain.
Scally Stuck in Murky USMNT Waters
Scally was thrust into the spotlight two years ago when he was called upon to replace the injured Sergiño Dest at the 2024 Copa América. It wasn't a tournament to remember for the then 21-year-old, though few Americans emerged from that summer with their reputations unscathed.
Fast forward to this summer, and Scally was firmly included in Pochettino's World Cup roster as Dest's understudy. He made just two appearances—both in the group stage—logging 10 minutes against Australia before getting the start in the team's 3–2 loss to Türkiye.
Scally's place in Pochettino's setup looks secure for the foreseeable future, though he largely functions as a depth piece. The Gladbach man simply doesn't offer the same defensive or creative qualities as Dest, making regular starts for the Stars and Stripes unlikely.
Nevertheless, a new challenge at club level could help elevate Scally's profile ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Given Dest's recurring injury concerns, there's no knowing when Scally might be called into action—and he'll need the form and confidence to deliver when that moment arrives.