USMNT news: Nations League win, Pepi to PSV, Tillman to Rangers

Today’s USMNT news includes the Stars and Stripes winning the Nations League, PSV are expected to make a move for Ricardo Pepi and Rangers have had a bid rejected for Malik Tillman. 

USMNT news: Nations League victory

The USMNT won the Nations League after defeating Canada 2-0 in the final in Las Vegas. Gio Reyna’s corner was headed in by Chris Richards to give the Stars and Stripes the lead. Reyna then assisted Folarin Balogun for his first USA goal which sealed the win.

There has been a lot of talk about Reyna with Gregg Berhalter returning as head coach of the side. However, the player was unfazed and put in an excellent performance. Berhalter amending his relationship with Reyna will be key to the future of the USMNT.

For now, B.J. Callaghan is still in charge and will be until after the Gold Cup. It is surprising that Berhalter is not taking over before the tournament but Callaghan has an opportunity to win another piece of silverware.

USMNT news: Ricardo Pepi to PSV Eindhoven

Ricardo Pepi came on for goalscorer Folarin Balogun in the 76th minute against Canada. The Augsburg forward did not make it onto the scoresheet but could have his future at the club level sorted soon.

According to the Dutch website VI, PSV Eindhoven is in for the forward and “a first bid for Ricardo Pepi is also expected this week. He would like to go to PSV, he has announced. PSV has to pay about eight million euros plus a considerable resale percentage to FC Augsburg.”

Pepi has a massive challenge of earning a starting spot over Balogun for the USMNT. Balogun’s next club is still up in the air but he will join a team in Europe’s top five leagues. Pepi proved he could perform in the Netherlands last season with FC Groningen. However, as he is to continue in the Eredivisie, he will not be playing at the highest level and Balogun will likely remain as the country’s first-choice striker.

USMNT news: Malik Tillman to Rangers

Malik Tillman had a successful loan at Rangers from Bayern Munich last season and the Scottish club would like him to join them permanently. However, recent interest from Premier League sides Brighton and Brentford has led to Bayern upping the price for Tillman.

Kicker has reported that Bayern “recently decided to reject the purchase option previously agreed with the Rangers… Now they have to dig deeper into their pockets. The purchase option is said to have been around six million euros.”

It is quite a shrewd bit of business from the German side. The club knows his worth and wants to sell him for the right price. Tillman was a key player for Rangers in the last Scottish Premiership campaign where he scored 10 goals, so it is understandable that Bayern now want more money for him.

Elsewhere, Rangers Review has revealed that “Carlos Bocanegra will NOT be joining Rangers as the club’s new sporting director.” The former USMNT defender currently works as technical director and vice president for Atlanta United, so for now it looks like he will be staying in MLS.