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FC Dallas striker Ricardo Pepi is closer than expected to joining a Bundesliga club, 90min sources can reveal.
The 18-year-old has had a remarkable rise this season, scoring 13 goals in 26 MLS games despite struggling Dallas at the foot of the Western Conference, winning just six of his 28 games so far. As a result, the Texan club recently parted ways with manager Luchi Gonzalez.
His club-level form was rewarded with a first call-up for the United States Men’s National Team in September. Pepi scored and had two assists on his debut as USMNT came from behind to beat Honduras 4-1 in World Cup qualifying. As such, Pepi is the second youngest USMNT player to score in a World Cup qualifier at 18, 242 days old, behind Christian Pulisic.
It hasn’t gone unnoticed, with clubs from Italy, Germany, England and the Netherlands – many of whom are in the UEFA Champions League – at least showing interest in the striker.
As revealed by 90minAjax traveled to the Dallas game against the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend to contact Pepi’s representatives. Although the Dutch giants have yet to establish official contact with Dallas, the two clubs are still expected to start talks “imminently”.
But they face competition from an anonymous Bundesliga club competing in the Champions League this season, which 90min understand expressed their willingness to do “everything possible” to get Pepi’s signature.
Interest in Italy also remains high and while it is not yet clear whether an offer has already been made at the time of writing, a Serie A club are expected to send an opening offer to Dallas in the next few months. days.
Despite speculation about his future, Pepi was able to score Dallas’ only goal in a 3-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday. Next up for Pepi’s side is a home game against Minnesota United on Saturday.
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