Ricardo Pepi may be the most exciting USMNT player of all time. The PSV Eindhoven striker was only 21 years old, and his services had already been sought after by Liverpool, Atlético de Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund. With a solid start to the season in the Eredivisie, having scored six goals in 11 matches, he probably is one of the brightest talents this generation has seen.
Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).
From Texas to Europe: Pepi’s Rise to Stardom
Ricardo Pepi began his journey in El Paso, Texas, the first city where he kicked a soccer ball before moving to FC Dallas' academy. In 2019, he became one of the youngest at 16 years old to make his Major League Soccer debut and quickly became someone with a great future. Two years later, Pepi made his case as one of the top forwards in MLS, netting 13 goals in 31 games, an effort which won him the MLS Young Player of the Year award.
His success in MLS hadn't gone unnoticed, and in 2022, Pepi was transferred to FC Augsburg for $20 million dollars, which made him the most valuable American player in MLS. A touch unlucky in the Bundesliga, he rediscovered his groove with PSV Eindhoven when he signed a five-year deal in 2023. Now, he's back to his usual self: a doubtful talent on the pitch.
USMNT Would Also Profit from a Transfer
The impressions Pepi makes are not restricted to club soccer. For the USMNT, he is developing into one of the team's most consistent attackers. Scoring 12 goals before age 22, Pepi entered a class reserved for rare American soccer talents like Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore, and Christian Pulisic.
He has recently scored the winning goal against Jamaica in a match in the CONCACAF tournament, which once more reiterated how important the player is to coach Mauricio Pochettino. Success with the club obviously interconnects to his USMNT performance. The ultimate, however, is peaking for the 2026 FIFA World Cup held on home soil.
A move to a bigger club could benefit not just Pepi but also the USMNT. Competing in one of the top-tier leagues against world-class defenders would sharpen his skills and prepare him to shine at the international level. For the USMNT to be on a par with the global giants, players like Pepi must acquire the experience and belief in themselves that only comes from playing in Europe's elite leagues.
Pepi and the Interest of European Giants
With performances like these, it's no surprise Ricardo Pepi has been on the radar of clubs such as Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Atletico de Madrid. The young American striker offers something truly different in a package comprising youthful exuberance, international experience, and versatility in attack. Already efficient in his finishing, and with the capability to read the game at an extremely high level, he proves to be an asset in any tactical setup.
Liverpool was reportedly considering Pepi in their plans to renew their attacking line. According to reports from Europe, PSV has estimated a fee of close to €25 million, a sum that many consider a steal due to his potential.
If Pepi makes that move, the ramifications could be huge for not only his career but also for the USMNT. A player competing regularly at the highest level in Europe raises the national team's competitiveness and credibility on the world stage.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite such success, Pepi still has some overcome at PSV. In Eindhoven, he plays in the shadow of the veteran striker Luuk de Jong, who takes his place in the starting lineup and often gets branded as a "luxury substitute." But Pepi was set on changing this story. With six goals this season, he's closing in on his personal best, and ready to prove that he is prepared to lead the attack.
A successful transfer to a major club wouldn’t just advance Pepi’s career but would also benefit the USMNT directly. Playing in leagues like the Premier League or Bundesliga would provide invaluable experience, preparing Pepi to face any opponent.