USMNT news: McKennie bows out, Pepi to Feyenoord, Dest to Berlin

Today’s USMNT news includes Weston McKennie’s next steps after Leeds United’s relegation. Ricardo Pepi could be on his way to Feyenoord and Sergino Dest is reportedly close to joining Union Berlin. 

USMNT news: Weston McKennie is relegated with Leeds

Leeds United have been America’s Premier League team this season. However, the side with a USMNT contingent of Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson has now been relegated to the Championship.

The Yorkshire side lost 4-1 to Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the season, which ensured Leeds finished 19th in the league. Adams was missing through injury, whilst Aaronson came on as a substitute.

McKennie did start but was taken off in the 60th minute, where he was not given a good send-off by the crowd at Elland Road. According to Martin Hardy of The Times, “Leeds fans bid farewell to the American by chanting ‘You fat b******’ at him as he goes off.”

It is no surprise that McKennie is not staying at Leeds. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has already revealed that “Leeds United will not trigger the buy option clause for Weston McKennie, as it was going to be automatically activated in case of Premier League football next season for €34m. McKennie will return to Juventus in the summer.”

USMNT news: Ricardo Pepi to Feyenoord

Ricardo Pepi has been linked with Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven. Although, it looks like Feyenoord is the team with the initiative right now.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that “Feyenoord have opened talks with Augsburg to sign Ricardo Pepi as a new striker for next season. Timing will be crucial in this deal, that’s why Feyenoord are pushing — race remains open.” Romano also quoted Pepi saying “I’d be happy to stay in Eredivisie, great league!”

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1662847417069232128?s=20

Feyenoord finished top of the Eredivisie this season and has qualified for the Champions League. The club will also still have Arne Slot in charge for the next campaign. Slot turned down Tottenham to stay with the Dutch side.

Pepi scored 12 goals in 28 games for FC Groningen who were relegated from the Eredivisie this season. If he can do that well for a struggling side then he will be expected to score even more for one of the division’s top sides.

USMNT news: Sergino Dest to Union Berlin

Sergino Dest has endured a tough season on loan at AC Milan from Barcelona where he has played just eight times in Serie A. However, Dest is likely to still earn a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Daniele Longo who reports for Calciomercato said (translated by Google) “Union Berlin expects to close the deal for Dest with Barcellona in the coming days.”

Union Berlin finished 4th in the Bundesliga this season. Therefore, if Dest makes the move he will be playing Champions League soccer in the next campaign. Moving to Germany will be a fresh start for a player who needs to find a team that he can settle at.