USMNT Striker Pepi Stays in Eredivisie, Boosting World Cup Hopes

Ricardo Pepi's move to Premier League delayed, allowing him to focus on form ahead of 48-team World Cup

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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American striker Ricardo Pepi will remain with PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie, rather than making a transfer to the Premier League with Fulham. While the $43.7 million transfer offer won't materialize yet, this is seen as a positive for Pepi and the U.S. men's national team as he battles for a World Cup roster spot ahead of this summer's 48-team tournament.

Why it matters

Pepi's development and playing time at PSV will be crucial as he competes with other USMNT strikers like Folarin Balogun, Patrick Agyemang, and Haji Wright for a spot on the World Cup squad. Avoiding a mid-season transfer will allow him to maintain stability and focus on his form, rather than having to adapt to a new league and team right before the tournament.

The details

After struggling for playing time and goals during a move to Augsburg in Germany's Bundesliga in 2022, Pepi has found his footing at PSV, scoring 8 goals in 15 games this season and 11 in 18 last year as the club won the Eredivisie title. While Fulham had a $43.7 million transfer offer accepted, Pepi will remain in the Netherlands for now, forgoing the chance to unite with USMNT teammate Antonee Robinson in the Premier League.

  • Pepi moved from FC Dallas to Augsburg in the Bundesliga in 2022, ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
  • Pepi joined PSV Eindhoven on loan in 2023 and made a permanent move in 2024.
  • Pepi has scored 8 goals in 15 games for PSV so far this season (2025-26).

The players

Ricardo Pepi

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

Antonee Robinson

An American defender who plays for Fulham in the Premier League and is a USMNT teammate of Pepi's.

Mauricio Pochettino

The current manager of the U.S. men's national team.

Folarin Balogun

An American striker who currently plays for AS Monaco in Ligue 1 and is also in contention for the USMNT World Cup roster.

Patrick Agyemang

An American striker who currently plays for Derby County and is also in contention for 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 (wtaj.com)

What’s next

Pepi will look to continue his strong form at PSV Eindhoven as he battles for a spot on the USMNT's 26-man World Cup roster ahead of this summer's 48-team tournament.

The takeaway

Pepi's decision to remain at PSV Eindhoven rather than make a mid-season Premier League move will allow him to focus on developing his game and sharpening his form ahead of the World Cup, rather than having to adapt to a new league and team right before the tournament.