Ricardo Pepi’s Journey: From Augsburg to Potential Premier League Move

Ricardo Pepi, a native of El Paso, Texas, embarked on a new chapter in his career in 2022 when he joined the German club Augsburg. However, his time there was largely unremarkable, as he failed to score in 16 appearances. In search of revitalization, Pepi found his scoring touch during a loan spell at Groningen in the Netherlands for the 2022-23 season, where he netted an impressive 13 goals.

This resurgence in form led to a $10 million (£7m) transfer to PSV Eindhoven, where Pepi has continued to showcase his talent. Although securing regular starting positions has proven challenging, he has nonetheless scored 37 goals in 90 appearances, contributing significantly to his team’s success, including winning the Eredivisie title twice. Furthermore, Pepi has made an impact on the European stage by participating in the Champions League.

Pepi is now positioned as a strong candidate for one of the attacking roles in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be held on home soil. Speculation surrounds his potential transfer before the tournament, with Fulham reportedly expressing interest. The club has previously benefited from the contributions of USMNT players such as Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream.

Brad Friedel, discussing Pepi’s potential move to Fulham in collaboration with Casino.org, shared insights about the fit: “I believe Fulham is a suitable club for him. He excels in the box, consistently finds excellent positions, and is robust in the air. Considering the types of goals Fulham scores, I think he would integrate well into their system.”

Friedel noted, however, that if Fulham’s playstyle relied heavily on possession without utilizing flank play, Pepi might not be the ideal match. Yet, given Fulham’s attacking dynamics and pace on the wings, he could thrive.

Currently, Fulham’s roster includes Mexican international striker Raul Jimenez, who is familiar with the rigors of Premier League play but is set to become a free agent next summer. This situation could work in Pepi’s favor, as Friedel suggested, stating, “They might view him as a younger replacement. In the Premier League, having multiple strikers is essential to navigate the demands of the season, and Pepi could be an excellent addition.”

However, Pepi’s progress has been hindered by a recent injury; he suffered a broken arm during a match against Excelsior on January 10 and has undergone surgery, with an estimated recovery period of two months. PSV’s head coach, Peter Bosz, expressed disappointment about Pepi’s situation, emphasizing his value to the team and the hope that he will return stronger.

As Pepi aims to regain his form ahead of the summer, he is determined to secure a place in the national squad for the World Cup, having missed out in 2022. A strong finish to the domestic season, coupled with notable performances on the international stage, could keep interest from clubs like Fulham alive.