USMNT: Reggie Cannon eager to leave Boavista FC

Reggie Cannon was included in the 23-player roster to participate in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament with the United States men’s national team. The 23-year-old defender was hoping to use the campaign to showcase his talent and attract other clubs ahead of the start of the 2021/22 season in Europe.

Not happy with the Portuguese side

Cannon left FC Dallas in September 2020 to sign with Boavista and his contract expires in June 2025. When he arrived, the Portuguese side were battling relegation but they managed to stay in the Primeira Liga for the 2021/22 season. The Athletic reported that during the middle of the relegation battle, Cannon had an incident with the fans.

The USMNT defender stayed late at the stadium after a game and by the time he was ready to go, the police had taken off and fans blocked off his car from exiting the parking lot. They started banging on his doors and even tried to grab him by the collar. He decided to get out of the car and talk to the fans that were attacking him.

“I felt their passion,” Cannon said. “It was misguided passion. Them treating me and my family like that is not going to make any footballer play better. I told them, ‘I know what you see from the outside of the field, but on the field from my perspective I am giving every ounce to get out of this spot and survive relegation. Even when you’re not looking.’ The fans said, ‘No, Reggie, we understand. It’s not your fault.’”

Even though he would like to leave the club, not seeing minutes with the USMNT doesn’t help his case. According to SBI Soccer, there are teams from England, Belgium and Turkey interested in the 23-year-old and Besiktas is very keen on a loan deal. The Turkish side is looking for a right-back and Cannon seems to top the list of possible signings for the upcoming campaign.