Rising USMNT Star Eyes Pulisic-Style Breakthrough Despite Major Transfer Gamble
USMNT Forward's Possible Christian Pulisic-Style Move Carries Significant Risk
Fulham have allegedly submitted an offer to secure U.S. men's national team forward Ricardo Pepi for the Premier League despite his severe arm injury.
Pepi began 2025–26 in spectacular fashion, netting 11 goals across 22 matches for PSV Eindhoven. The 23-year-old subsequently suffered an arm fracture in January and has been undergoing rehabilitation since—a recovery period anticipated to last two months.
The setback hasn't discouraged Fulham's pursuit of the American striker. Per ESPN, the Cottagers presented a €32 million ($38 million) proposal for Pepi's transfer.
The London club previously had their €28 million ($33.3 million) offer turned down by PSV in December. The current Dutch titleholders are reportedly seeking approximately €35 million ($41.6 million) for their striker, who arrived at the club in 2023.
Pepi Could Mirror Pulisic's Journey
Pepi Could Mirror Pulisic's Journey
Although numerous American talents are currently establishing themselves across Europe, few players from this generation have succeeded in the Premier League like Christian Pulisic. The USMNT skipper departed Borussia Dortmund to join Chelsea before the 2019–20 campaign and subsequently created history.
Pulisic featured in 145 matches during his four-year tenure at Stamford Bridge, finding the net 26 times. The winger claimed three titles with Chelsea, notably the 2020–21 Champions League crown, an achievement that secured his place in the tournament's history books—Pulisic became the inaugural American to feature in a Champions League final, and just the second to claim the trophy following Jovan Kirovski.
His spell in blue wasn't always as glorious as that evening at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal. Persistent injury issues, irregular playing time and a revolving door of coaches and attacking players plagued Pulisic's Chelsea career, ultimately leading to his move to AC Milan before the 2023–24 season.
Nevertheless, Pulisic—alongside Antonee Robinson and Chris Richards—demonstrated that today's talented Americans can excel in what's regarded as the world's most demanding league, establishing a foundation for players like Pepi to attempt similar achievements.
How a Premier League Transfer Could Impact Pepi's 2026 World Cup Prospects
How a Premier League Transfer Could Impact Pepi's 2026 World Cup Prospects
If PSV and Fulham reach an accord before January's transfer deadline for Pepi, the striker would be taking a considerable gamble with his career. After all, before his injury setback, he was enjoying the finest form of his career in the Netherlands, certainly catching the eye of USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino.
A Premier League switch requires most players an adjustment period, particularly those recovering from injury. Returning to action with a new club in a significantly tougher competition after extended time away presents an enormous obstacle, one that might ultimately damage Pepi's prospects of securing regular playing time at this summer's 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Consider what occurred with Gio Reyna—the midfielder was considered among America's most promising talents, yet between injuries and a disastrous loan spell at Nottingham Forest, his position in the national team setup virtually vanished.
Moving to the Premier League just five months before the World Cup represents a gamble for Pepi, who appeared destined to serve at least as Folarin Balogun's understudy this summer. An inability to rediscover his scoring touch and secure consistent minutes at Fulham might prompt Pochettino to explore alternative options, potentially relegating Pepi to a peripheral role in the most important tournament of his career.