Real Madrid have reportedly held talks with FC Dallas and USMNT sensation Ricardo Pepi, although the teenager could be headed to a Bundesliga club.
According to a report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have spoken to the agent of FC Dallas striker Ricardo Pepi over a potential January transfer but could miss out on his signing.
Pepi came through the youth ranks at MLS club FC Dallas and had a brief stint with North Texas SC before returning to his boyhood club in 2019. He made his first-team debut for the American outfit in June 2019, at the age of 16. He has since grown into a regular in the side. To date, the teenage forward has featured 59 times, scoring 16 goals and setting up four more.
The 2021 season was one where he properly made an impact for FC Dallas, as Pepi found the back of the net on 13 occasions in 31 matches. The 18-year-old also broke into the United States Men’s National Team in September earlier this year and has already bagged three goals in just seven appearances.
Pepi’s emergence in the North American footballing scenes has not gone unnoticed, as several clubs across Europe have taken an interest in the youngster. Indeed, the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool are keen on signing the 18-year-old, while there has been some degree of interest from Manchester City as well.
Real Madrid, too, have shown a keenness to sign the 18-year-old American prodigy, who himself has admitted that the La Liga giants are his ‘dream club’. Amidst this, it is now being claimed that Los Blancos have held talks with the agent of Pepi to explore the possibility of a January transfer.
While Real Madrid have Karim Benzema as their undisputed starter in the No. 9 role, the options to provide backup are hardly convincing. Luka Jovic has had a torrid spell in Spain and is linked with an exit in January. At the same time, Mariano Diaz has not found favour under Carlo Ancelotti and could be sold as well.
Such a scenario would require Real Madrid to bring in a new striker to cover for Benzema during the second half of the campaign, with Pepi’s potential making him an exciting prospect. To that end, the Merengues are believed to have spoken to his agent to assess the chances of a transfer.
However, as per the update from Romano, the 18-year-old’s representative has also spoken to a host of other clubs. It also indicates that the young forward could be headed to an unnamed Bundesliga team. So, it looks like Real Madrid might not be able to capture the signing of Ricardo Pepi next month.
