USMNT news: Pepi to PSV, Richardson to the US, Brooks safe

Today’s USMNT news includes Ricardo Pepi being strongly linked with PSV Eindhoven, Amir Richardson could represent the Stars and Stripes and John Brooks’ Hoffenheim being safe from relegation in the Bundesliga. 

USMNT news: Ricardo Pepi close to joining PSV

Ricardo Pepi needs to find a new club after FC Groningen -who he is on loan at from Augsburg- was relegated from the Eredivisie. It is looking increasingly likely that he will stay in the Netherlands and join one of their biggest clubs, PSV Eindhoven.

According to Rik Elfrink, “PSV is in full talks with intended acquisition Ricardo Pepi: offer of millions for the striker expected soon.”

The forward has proved himself in the Dutch league, where he has scored 12 goals in 27 games this season. A move to PSV would allow him to play for one of the division’s top sides but it is not a step up in leagues. Pepi’s only experience of playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues was in the Bundesliga with Augsburg. He failed to score or assist in 15 matches at the German club.

The USMNT has recently recruited Folarin Balogun, who has scored 20 goals in Ligue 1 this season for Reims. If Pepi is to compete with Balogun for a starting place with the Stars and Stripes, he would stand a better chance if he is playing at the highest level.

USMNT news: Amir Richardson to represent the US

Amir Richardson currently plays for Le Havre in Ligue 2. He has represented France at U20 level and is currently part of Morocco’s U23 side. However, he is eligible to play for the USMNT through his father, Micheal Ray Richardson, the former basketball player.

Edgar Moreno has reported that the “USSF (Unites States Soccer Federation) has been in contact with Amir Richardson although the Moroccan Federation have been more aggressive in their approach and will look to call him up for the U23 qualifiers they see a clear pathway for him to play for the senior team in the near future.”

Morocco made it to the semi-finals of last year’s World Cup in Qatar. The prospect of representing the country would be tempting for the midfielder. Although, the USMNT has recently done a good job of recruiting dual nationals. Folarin Balogun’s switch from England has shown that playing for the Stars and Stripes is an exciting project.

USMNT news: John Brooks’ Hoffenheim are safe

Hoffenheim are safe from relegation from the Bundesliga after they defeated Union Berlin 4-2 yesterday. USMNT defender John Brooks played the whole game and his form recently has led to him being included in his country’s preliminary roster for the Nations League.

Brooks has not played for his country since 2021. However, with Tim Ream injured, the USMNT could do with an experienced center-back in their squad.

Pellegrino Matarazzo is the American coach of Hoffenheim. His great work for the German side has prompted many fans to think he could one day coach the Stars and Stripes.