Why Diego Reyes Loan Transfer Would Benefit Mexico and Porto Defender

Diego Reyes' career seemed to be on the up when he signed a five-year contract with Porto in 2013. However, the Mexico international has faded away slowly.

Reyes became a player to follow when he was playing with the Mexico U23 squad. He was an undisputed starter in Luis Fernando Tena's XI.

Reyes secured the gold medal at the Pan American Games (2011), the following year he won the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament, Toulon Tournament and Summer Olympics.

His ferocious defending and strong aerial game, especially when he joined the attack, set him as one of the most promising Mexican centre-backs. 

When he returned to his club (America), Reyes received Miguel Herrera's confidence and immediately secured a spot in El Piojo's 5-3-2 system.

Eventually Herrera arrived in El Tri and took with him those he trusted the most, Reyes was a must.

The centre-back couldn't do much, though. In a back line guarded by Rafael Marquez, Hector Moreno and Francisco Rodriguez, Reyes' contribution was almost null.

The young footballer couldn't compete with three of El Tri's veterans. It was not just a matter of experience; it was also the fact that Reyes was barely playing with Porto.

Although he arrived in Primeira Liga in shape, former coach Paulo Fonseca hardly ever used the Mexican.

Reyes' activity was reduced to appearing with the B-team, and even then he didn't get much playing time. He was on the pitch six times. 

With the first squad he appeared nine times in his debut season, four of them in the Europa League. Although he proved to have fine touch, by completing 88 percent of the passes he sent (missing only 16), he only won 45 percent of his duels.

For the 2014/15 season the club made managerial adjustments and along came Julen Lopetegui. It seemed like Reyes could have a new beginning under the Spaniard's command, but things didn't change.

So far, Reyes luck has been the same. He had a chance to impress in the League Cup against Braga, but he was sent-off after spending 34 minutes on the pitch.

His inactivity has hurt his career deeply.

Although Mexico coach Herrera kept calling him to the national team, Reyes' lack of rhythm and body build put him in a disadvantage not only over the rivals, but also with other centre-backs who have had more playing time than him.

It's imperative that he starts thinking of his future. El Tri are about to start their preparation for the 2015 Copa America and the 2015 Gold Cup, hence Herrera needs to put together two teams.

Reyes' best chance at making either of those squads is getting playing time, which he clearly won't get at Porto.

The Mexican has to seek to move in the transfer window and he needs to do it fast.

So far, two other European clubs have been linked to the centre-back.

Serie A Parma is the first one. According to Italian newspaper Corriero dello Sport (in Italian), The Crusaders would be ready to lure Reyes to Stadio Ennio Tardini. 

The other one is Belgian squad Anderlecht. Portuguese newspaper A Bola (in Portuguese) reported that Herman Van Holsbeeck, director of the club, is seeking to strengthen his team in the transfer window.

If Reyes were to choose, he should definitively go for Anderlecht. After 23 matchdays, the club sits second in the general table, which will be enough to make the Champions League playoff round.

Meanwhile, the Italian side is the worst team of the local league, with a 3-1-16 record, which puts them en route to the Serie B after six consecutive seasons in the top division.

The clock is ticking. Can Reyes push The Dragons into loaning him?

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