St. Louis eyes big-name signing that would enhance MLS profile

St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Bürki, who played with Reus at Dortmund for nearly a decade, has been working hard to push Reus toward a Missouri transfer.

"I'm trying everything. I keep sending him [Reus] messages, we're always in contact," Bürki told German newspaper Bild. "I told Marco that I would give him the captain's armband right away. I'm trying to make it appealing to him."

Reus, 34, spent the past 12 years as a key member of Borussia Dortmund's high-pressing midfield. He'll be playing in the Champions League final this June — the second final of his career — and is expected to call time on his Dortmund contract immediately following that game.

Bürki hasn't just relied on the captaincy to sway Reus. He has also shared photos and video of the St. Louis City SC facilities, built last year to accommodate the expansion franchise. They're some of the nicest in MLS and much better than some of their European counterparts.

By contrast, Manchester United's storied Old Trafford made headlines over the weekend for the ongoing water leaks that its management team has yet to fix.

Facilities are one of the few metrics by which MLS comfortably outperforms its European rivals. 

For an older player such as Reus, who faced serious injuries early in his career, excellent stadium grass, top-of-the-line fitness equipment and a focus on mental and physical well-being could be what drives him toward the next phase of his career...and to MLS.

We're unlikely to hear from Reus about a potential move to MLS until June. That's because the German midfielder will be focused on the Champions League final for the next few weeks. 

However, if Bürki and the rest of the St. Louis franchise get their way, we'll be seeing him in the Midwest soon enough.

Reus will close his Borussia Dortmund career in the Champions League Final against Real Madrid on June 1. St. Louis City, meanwhile, will continue its MLS schedule on Wednesday against Los Angeles FC.