Ricardo Pepi was the hero for PSV in the Champions League on November 4th and the USMNT has attracted interest from a host of Serie A sides. How Good Is Ricardo Pepi? The 22-year-old has enjoyed a strong run of form for PSV in recent weeks and became a fan favorite during the clubs’ 1-1 […]
Ricardo Pepi was the hero for PSV in the Champions League on November 4th and the USMNT has attracted interest from a host of Serie A sides.
How Good Is Ricardo Pepi?
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a strong run of form for PSV in recent weeks and became a fan favorite during the clubs’ 1-1 draw with Olympiacos in MD4 of the Champions League.
Pepi was brought into the fray after 58 minutes with his side trailing by a singular goal and the USMNT star rescued a point for the Eredivisie side with a 93rd minute equalizer.
This was Pepi’s fifth goal in all competitions in just 432 minutes of action and made it three goal contributions in three Champions League appearances this season (2G + 1A).
Despite a recent increase in performance for the Dutch side, scoring in two consecutive matches, Pepi is still looking to cement a place in the starting eleven – making just three starts in the league.
Pepi moved to Europe in January 2022, leaving FC Dallas to join Ausburg for €16 million and failed to impress during his time in the Bundesliga.
Many expected the USMNT star to follow in Christian Pulisic’s footsteps, but Pepi failed to find a single goal contribution with the Bundesliga side.
Christian Pulisic has now been linked with multiple MLS sides, while Pepi is still finding his feet in Europe after joining PSV for €11m in January 2023.
Pepi’s performances in Europe have not only caught the eye of various sides across the globe, but also played a huge role in his place in the United States National Team roster.
The 22-year-old has picked up 33 caps for his nation, scoring 13 goals and will be hoping to earn a place in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
However, Pepi has not played for the USMNT since November 2024 and this is primarily down to a lack of playing time, which could push the youngster into a move next year.
Which Serie A Sides Should Sign Ricardo Pepi?
If Pepi does push for a move away to help boost his chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup, then a January move to Serie A could be a viable option.
Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie have found huge success in Italy, meaning Pepi has a strong blueprint to follow.
Atalanta have been dealing with a major transfer saga for multiple months now, as Ademola Lookman’s future in Bergamo continues to be surrounded with doubt.
The Nigerian star pushed for a move away in the summer transfer window but an exit failed to materialize and Lookman has only just made his way back into the starting eleven.
La Dea sit 11th in the table and are winless from their last six matches across all competitions, meaning Ivan Juric could become one of the next managerial sackings in Serie A.
Bringing in Pepi could be a shrewd piece of business to add an attacking spark to their roster, especially as Lookman may part ways with the club in 2026.
Another option for the USMNT star could be a move to AC Milan, as the links with Christian Pulisic could play a huge role in Pepi’s decision next year.
The Rossoneri currently sit third in Serie A and have avoided defeat in nine consecutive league matches, as Massimiliano Allegri continues to impress in his second-spell.
Pepi’s deal with PSV does not expire until June 2030, meaning any interested party will need to spend over €20m to tempt the Dutch side into a sale.
