Ricardo Pepi Stays with PSV Eindhoven, Boosting USMNT World Cup Hopes

The American striker's failed Premier League move could be a blessing in disguise as he battles for a World Cup roster spot.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Ricardo Pepi, the American striker, will remain with PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie rather than making a move to the Premier League with Fulham. This is seen as a positive for the U.S. men's national team (USMNT) as Pepi prepares for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. While the $43.7 million transfer offer from Fulham won't materialize yet, Pepi will have the stability at PSV to continue developing his game and form ahead of the World Cup tournament.

Why it matters

Pepi's move to the Premier League could have been risky in a World Cup year, as USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the importance of players feeling "happy" and "comfortable" leading into a major tournament. Pepi's struggles after a 2022 move to Augsburg in the Bundesliga serve as a cautionary tale. Staying at PSV gives Pepi the best chance to earn a spot on the USMNT's World Cup roster by continuing his strong goalscoring form in the Eredivisie.

The details

Pepi, 20, has scored 8 goals in 15 games for PSV this season after netting 11 in 18 matches during the club's league title-winning campaign in 2024-25. However, injuries have limited his playing time, allowing other USMNT striker candidates like Folarin Balogun, Patrick Agyemang, and Haji Wright to make their cases. Pepi only earned his first cap under Pochettino in November, so he is not a lock for the World Cup roster despite his goalscoring record.

  • Pepi moved from FC Dallas to Augsburg in the Bundesliga in 2022, where he struggled for playing time and goals ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
  • Pepi then moved on loan to Groningen and eventually earned a permanent transfer to PSV Eindhoven, where he has developed into one of the top strikers in the Eredivisie.
  • Fulham made a $43.7 million transfer offer for Pepi in 2026, which would have seen him move to the Premier League, but the deal did not materialize.

The players

Ricardo Pepi

A 20-year-old American striker currently playing for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Mauricio Pochettino

The manager of the U.S. men's national team (USMNT).

Folarin Balogun

An American striker currently playing for AS Monaco in Ligue 1, who is likely leading the competition to start for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup.

Patrick Agyemang

An American striker currently playing for Derby County, who is in contention for a spot on the USMNT World Cup roster.

Haji Wright

An American striker currently playing for Coventry City, who is also in contention for a spot on the USMNT World Cup roster.

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What they’re saying

“For me, it's important that the player feels happy, feels comfortable. But we don't want it to be in a comfortable zone. I think it's an amazing challenge that we need to support and help them adapt in the best possible way, and not to lose focus on the performance, if they happen to move to different clubs. There is a focus on the World Cup.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Manager (Instagram)

What’s next

Pepi will look to continue his strong goalscoring form with PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie as he battles for a spot on the USMNT's 2026 World Cup roster.

The takeaway

Pepi's decision to remain at PSV Eindhoven rather than make a Premier League move could pay dividends for the USMNT, as the young striker focuses on developing his game and form ahead of the 2026 World Cup without the added pressure and risk of a high-profile transfer.