USMNT Players Face Crucial Decisions Ahead of World Cup

A year later, Pepi is once again making headlines. Premier League clubs are reportedly interested, with Fulham being the latest team linked to the PSV star, as reported by The Athletic.

These connections come during another impressive run for Pepi. He demonstrated prolific scoring at this time last year, but an injury curtailed his chances of a transfer. His current production has reignited interest from similar clubs.

This situation presents a challenging decision for Pepi. He has proven himself at PSV and may have nothing left to achieve there. A move to the Premier League would offer him an opportunity to compete at a higher level, showcasing his skills among the best strikers.

However, transferring during a World Cup year carries significant risks. Should Pepi maintain his scoring rate, he could be the starting striker for the USMNT in 2026. While a transfer might work in his favor, it also introduces uncertainty, making PSV a safer option as it provides the clearest path back to a World Cup roster after narrowly missing out in 2022.

Given these considerations, the most prudent choice for Pepi may be to continue excelling at PSV, aim for the World Cup, and then evaluate his options. History shows that many players leverage World Cup performances into lucrative moves, and Pepi could be next in line for significant opportunities.

**PREDICTION: STAY**

Musah is currently in a situation that necessitates change. While his loan to Atalanta has not been fruitful, there are signs of improvement.

Although Musah is seeing more playing time than before, Atalanta seems indifferent to his development. He now faces a critical decision: should he continue fighting for minutes at Atalanta or seek opportunities at Milan? While it may be wise to wait a few weeks to assess Atalanta’s commitment, Milan may ultimately present a more favorable option.

**PREDICTION: LEAVE**

Wright is attracting interest from Premier League clubs and teams in Turkey. However, Coventry City is intent on keeping him.

Coventry currently leads the Championship and is well-positioned for promotion, making Wright’s retention vital for their ambitions. Consequently, the club has reportedly set a high asking price for any potential sale.

Wright’s aspirations for advancement are understandable, but the most notable Premier League interest is from West Ham, who are facing relegation concerns. Additionally, while Beşiktaş remains a strong club in Turkey, Wright has already played there, having initially moved to England from that team.

Presently, there doesn’t seem to be a transfer that clearly benefits Wright, making it logical to remain at Coventry. Concerns about his World Cup selection are manageable given the competition he faces in the Championship.

**PREDICTION: STAY**

Unlike Wright, Sargent is in a precarious position as Norwich sits at the bottom of the Championship, facing the possibility of relegation.

This dire situation creates a strong incentive for Sargent to contemplate a move. He has also been linked with West Ham, although those rumors have diminished recently. Given Norwich’s standing, Sargent may be more inclined to consider a transfer, even if moving could jeopardize his club’s chances of survival.

Sargent has World Cup aspirations as well. At present, he may not be on the radar for the national squad, but scoring in the Premier League could significantly enhance his chances. Thus, he must consider opportunities from clubs in more competitive leagues.

**PREDICTION: LEAVE**

Despite various rumors, the speculation surrounding Pulisic, Adams, and Robinson potentially moving to Manchester United is unfounded.

Pulisic has the least reason to leave, as he is already a key player at AC Milan, which is in contention for the Scudetto. With his contributions pivotal to the team’s success, a move to Manchester United, currently devoid of European competition, seems illogical.

Adams is sidelined with an injury, eliminating any immediate transfer prospects, while Robinson has only recently returned to bolster Fulham, which is positioned just behind United in the Premier League table.

Though circumstances may change after the World Cup, a January transfer for any of these players seems unlikely.

**PREDICTION: STAY**

McKennie’s contract situation with Juventus remains unresolved, and reports indicate that talks for a renewal are stagnant. This often leads to clubs offloading valuable assets.

It’s surprising that it has reached this stage, considering McKennie’s continued importance to the team amidst speculation about his future. With only six months left on his contract, Juventus may need to consider selling him to capitalize on his value.

However, the club likely aims to finish the season strong and will require McKennie’s contributions to meet their goals. The most prudent course of action may be to remain at Juventus, continue negotiations, and await the World Cup, where he could maximize his market value.

**PREDICTION: STAY**

Reports from Germany suggest that Campbell is set to leave Borussia Dortmund, a development that is understandable.

After debuting last season, Campbell made only six appearances for the first team, with just one this season. A lackluster performance at the U-20 World Cup has also affected his prospects, pushing him toward a potential exit.

A transfer to Club Brugge has been speculated, which could be a beneficial move for the young forward. Many players, such as Malik Tillman and Chris Richards, have successfully transitioned from high-profile clubs to gain valuable experience elsewhere.

Campbell must continue to improve, and it appears that the best path for his development may no longer be at Dortmund.

**PREDICTION: LEAVE**

Lastly, several players in a similar situation are preparing for their first major international tournament. With the World Cup on the horizon, it makes sense for these players to remain with their current clubs for a few more months.

The World Cup can significantly elevate a player’s market value, and for those mentioned, participating in the tournament is a tangible goal. Just one standout performance could enhance their prospects considerably. To reach this shop window in optimal form, it is wise for them to stay in MLS for the time being and reassess their options later.

**PREDICTION: STAY**