USMNT news: Onyewu’s new job, Pepi to Lazio, Wright bid rejected

Today’s USMNT news includes U.S. Soccer hiring Oguchi Onyewu, Ricardo Pepi being linked with Lazio and Antalyaspor rejecting a bid for Haji Wright. 

USMNT news: Oguchi Onyewu’s new job

Oguchi Onyewu has been appointed as the Vice President of Sporting at U.S. Soccer. It is a new role and he will be working with Sporting Director Matt Crocker. Oguchi is a former USMNT international who has 69 caps. His club career included spells at Standard Liege, AC Milan, Newcastle United and the Philadelphia Union.

Since his retirement from playing, Onyewu has worked as Sporting Director for Orlando City B and as Secretary General at Royal Excelsior Virton in Belgium. He was also on the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors.

Speaking to U.S. Soccer, Onyewu said “I am incredibly excited to take on this new challenge and work with Matt and the rest of the U.S. Soccer team to help shape the future of soccer in this country. As a former player, I understand firsthand the importance of investing in our youth and building a strong foundation for the future.”

Now that Crocker and Onyewu are working for U.S. Soccer, fans can expect that the new head coach for the USMNT will also be announced in the near future. Jesse Marsch is one of the favourites for the role and he was recently in Chicago where U.S. Soccer’s headquarters are. However, we will have to wait and see who will lead the Stars and Stripes at the 2026 World Cup.

USMNT news: Ricardo Pepi to Lazio

Ricardo Pepi has had a successful loan from Augsburg at Groningen this season, scoring 12 goals in 26 Eredivisie games. Anyhow, with the Dutch side being relegated and his deal expiring this summer, Pepi will be looking for a new club.

The USMNT forward has been linked with better teams in the Netherlands including PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord. However, he might want to test himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues and he could get this opportunity in Italy.

According to Calcioline, Lazio who are currently 3rd in Serie A are interested in Pepi. Joining Lazio would allow him to play at the highest level and for a side likely to be in the Champions League next season.

USMNT news: Haji Wright bid rejected

Haji Wright’s form for Antalyaspor in the Super Lig this season has been very good and he has scored 15 goals in 25 games. The American has recently been linked with Premier League side Southampton but it is Scottish Premiership side Rangers who have been the most active in requiring his services.

The reporter Salim Manav has revealed that “Rangers made a transfer offer for Haji Wright to Antalyaspor in the form of £7 million plus a 15 per cent share from the second sale. Antalyaspor did not accept Rangers’ offer. The testimonial expectation for Haji Wright is over 10 million Euros.”

Rangers have also been mentioned as a possible destination for Auston Trusty. They also currently have Malik Tillman at the club on loan from Bayern Munich. The Scottish team could have a notable USMNT contingent for next season.