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Over the last few years, we've witnessed the German side Borussia Dortmund hogging the limelight during the course of transfer market, much of which can be attributed to their rise in the last few years. However, the same glare of recognition has cost them dearly, as it has led to some of their prolific players leaving due to interest from bigger clubs from across Europe (and Bayern Munich of course)And rightfully so, a sense of foreboding can be felt among the Dortmund faithful as the future of another valuable player of theirs, Marco Reus, is up in the air. Despite missing out on Germany's World Cup winning campaign due to an injury, the 25-year old still grabbed the headlines with reports linking him with several high-profile European clubs.With a buyout clause worth €35 million getting active at the end of the season, we look at what could be the best possible relocation for Reus, if he decides his future lies away from Dortmund.
#1 Bayern Munich
The relations between Germany's two best teams- Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have strained with time, as some of Klopp's best have ambled over to the Allianz Arena in recent years. As a result, they'll certainly not entertain the prospect of losing another prized asset to their fierce rivals, as it would mean the completion of the transplant of the deadly trio (Lewandowski-Gotze-Reus), which was made in Dortmund.
But talking from a purely footballing perspective, Reus can fit into Guardiola's style of play, smooth as silk. Although Bayern have as many as 8 forwards (Lewandowski, Ribery, Robben, Gotze, Muller, Shaqiri, Pizzaro and Green {out on loan currently}) in their ranks, Reus adds two-footedness, directness, pace, and finishing all at the same time.
Boasting the ability of scoring from distance as well as from inside the penalty area, the former Monchengladbach star is also gifted with a unique combination of being equally lethal as a scorer as well as a provider, which helps add options to the Bayern Munich attack.
Besides, having plied his trade in Germany his entire career, he will not take much time to settle in the squad as he'll be playing alongside his former Dortmund teammates- Gotze and Lewandowski and several of his German team-mates.
If its the trophies that concerns Reus, then Bayern is the place for immediate success.
#2 Liverpool
The departure of Luis Suarez has left a huge gap for Brendan Rodgers to fill. Although the Anfielders have signed 8 players this summer, it was only after the acquisition of Mario Balotelli, that they could say that they had a complete squad. But the inclusion of Reus in the squad will be the icing on the cake.
Reus Vs Suarez - With 77 key passes and 90 goal-scoring chances created, the Dortmund talisman's stats from last season make for great reading as they compare very well with Suarez, who made 75 key passes and created 87 goal-scoring chances. Apart from the goals scored by Suarez, Reus brings in all the other aspects that Liverpool have lost following Suarez’ departure, and so, he would be a great buy.
Reus is versatile and is capable of playing anywhere across the front three. At Liverpool, he may even reprise the role of an advanced midfielder, which might lead to the deployment of their usual choice Raheem Sterling on the flanks. Not only will he bolster the attack, but will also provide the much needed pedigree at a bigger stage as Champions League nights are back at Anfield.
Given his forte of creating chances and his good link-up play, the German could well suit Rodgers' 'pass and move' football. His link-up play could forge a fruitful partnership with the attacking duo of Balotelli and Sturridge, and also help to fill a host of voids left by Suarez.
The signing of Marco Reus would undoubtedly represent their aspirations to reassert their status amongst Europe's elite and would also have one of the best attacking line-ups in Europe.
#3 Manchester United
A constant linearity in the performance graph of Reus has been clearly witnessed with each season passing by and this facelift has culminated in him becoming one of the most intriguing prospects currently gracing the football world and he could have what it takes to be even better.
Keeping that and the pertinent point of trophies in mind, Reus has a greater chance at Signal Iduna Park than at Old Trafford. Although winning the Champions League doesn't seem to be within BVB’s grasp, they'll certainly be there or there abouts in the competition,while the landscape at United is less certain than ever.
Ever since the 'post SAF' era has begun, the club has lost its glisten and is struggling even under the newly appointed Louis Van Gaal to restore hegemony in their own country.
Now that van Gaal is playing the 3-5-2 formation, with the wing backs providing the natural width to the side, the role behind the strikers in an advanced midfield position is fiercely contested with Juan Mata, Angel Di Maria, Adnan Januzaj and possibly Wayne Rooney (after the capture of Falcao) all in the mix. Given his current status, the threat of a bit-part role is unlikely to interest Reus, as regular game time is what he'll be putting the premium on.
To put this straight, Dortmund are currently a better side than United. Although the latter have a number of glorious years behind them, moving to this English outfit would be taking a step down in terms of the ability to compete for top honours because the Red Devils are no longer virtually assured of silverware and may take some more years to replicate the success that they enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson.
However, that being said, Manchester United have declared their intent to return to the top in the near future, and Marco Reus’ signing might help bring that goal closer. Similarly, the German might see that he becomes talked about as probably the next big thing in World football if he moves to a club the size of Manchester United.
