What’s Taking So Long, Diego?

Mexican international Diego Reyes has been out of work all summer, and time is running out before the European leagues begin play.

Reyes is taking his time to sign a contract, but he has expressed his intentions to continue in Europe and has no short list of suitors.

“I’ll continue (playing in Europe) for a while,” Reyes said.

English clubs West Ham, Watford, Everton and Newcastle United have reported interest in the 25-year-old, meanwhile Turkish outfits Fenerbahçe, Besiktas and Trabzonspor have also thrown their names into the mix. French side Bordeaux was also really close to coming to an agreement with Reyes.

The English Premier League, French Ligue 1 and Turkish Super Lig will all begin their seasons on August 10.

Many have blamed the player’s representation for the delay. According to Mexican newspaper Récord, Reyes’ agent, Matias Bunge, asked for a substantial commission check for himself to close negotiations between Reyes and Bordeaux, which caused the French club to back away.

Reyes himself discredits these allegations and the defender took to Twitter to state, “Typical... #LieLikeRecord” mocking the Mexican newspaper for its constant use of tabloid-style content.

Bunge is no stranger to controversy, however. The Argentine represented Mexican players involved in the “Paradise Papers” scandal of 2017. The scandal broke when Football Leaks accused Reyes and former Porto teammate Héctor Herrera of creating financial structures in Malta to evade taxes. Bunge was also accused of working with Grupo Conclave, who have ties with the Juárez Cartel, in securing Mexican players’ transfers to Europe. In one instance, when Mexican international Jesus Corona passed from FC Twente to FC Porto, Bunge managed to pocket 200 thousand euros all to himself.

Reyes, who missed out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia due to a hamstring injury, has been left out of FC Porto’s plans for the upcoming season. He was released from his contract in July.

The former Club América defender never truly found his place with the Dragons, having been loaned out twice since arriving in Portugal to Real Sociedad and Espanyol. He played limited minutes for Porto last season, only making 20 appearances in all competitions and starting in nine league games before being crowned Portuguese League champion.

Reyes remains in Mexico City, training with his boyhood club América, but the clock keeps on ticking.

Where do you think Reyes will end up? Let us know in the comments below!