US nationwide staff ahead poised to proceed profession in Europe

Ricardo Pepi has gone from snagging objectives for MLS facet FC Dallas to grabbing them for FC Groningen within the Eredivisie.

Pepi appears to be like like the newest American to go overseas and stand out in European soccer. Two years after scoring 13 objectives for Dallas, the 20-year-old has scored 12 instances in his first season within the Netherlands. His performances have reportedly sparked the curiosity of one other Dutch facet — the powerhouse Feyenoord, which simply received its first league title since 2017.

Pepi seeking to take one other step

Pepi‘s breakout season in Europe has come after a barren year-plus in Germany, the place he performed for Augsburg. His transfer to the Bundesliga in 2022 made him the most costly American MLS switch ever, however the manufacturing didn’t instantly comply with.

Pepi made 15 league appearances at Augsburg with out scoring a single purpose, which prompted the German facet to mortgage him to Groningen in September. That call has paid off — for the Dutch facet, which has loved his constant kind regardless of ending rock-bottom of the league.

PSV additionally within the Pepi hunt

Different studies have Eredivisie runners-up PSV Eindhoven as sturdy contenders to land Pepi, who appears unlikely to return to the Bundesliga subsequent season.

PSV are additionally one of many Eredivise’s elite sides and, like Feyenoord will give United States star Pepi an opportunity to play on one of many recreation’s best platforms — the UEFA Champions League, the place he may seize the eye of elite golf equipment in Germany, England, and Spain.