Liverpool and Manchester United are among the clubs interested in the services of Ricardo Pepi, who is valued at around £10 million.
According to Mirror, Liverpool are set to go head to head with Manchester United in the race to sign Ricardo Pepi. The two sides had recently faced each other in the Premier League, with Man United getting thrashed 5-0. But it might be a more even matchup when they lock horns for the pursuit of the FC Dallas starlet, in the upcoming January transfer window.
Born in Texas, Pepi has raised many eyebrows with his performances in Major League Soccer. He is even regarded as the next big thing in US Soccer that has already produced a host of talent in recent years. FC Dallas are aware of the player’s rising stock and are hoping to get at least £10 million for his services.
A centre-forward by trade, the 18-year-old initially began his career at the Dallas Academy, before going on to make his breakthrough with the first team during the 2020 campaign. He was involved in 17 matches last year, scoring just one goal.
But Dallas maintained their faith in the young gun, even making him their number one forward this season. The player has repaid the faith, it seems, having netted 13 goals in 28 matches so far. Although his team has underperformed in MLS 2021, his contributions in front of goal have not gone unnoticed.
Liverpool, for one, are keen on bringing in Ricardo Pepe as part of Jurgen Klopp’s offensive reinforcements in the January transfer window. The German tactician is looking to add more competition for the likes of Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino, who has struggled to offer productivity upfront, over the past couple of seasons.
The Reds have been already linked with a move for Karim Adeyemi. And Pepi, in that regard, should be a cost-effective alternative for the €40 million rated RB Salzburg forward.
Manchester United, meanwhile, will be keen on finding a direct, long-term replacement for Edinson Cavani while Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t getting any younger either. As such, they are on the hunt for a new forward, though they have been largely linked with proven goalscorers such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Pepi, though, with all his potential and skill, could be an intriguing future investment for a club that has already had a lot of success nurturing young attackers in recent years. Aside from Manchester United and Liverpool, Pepi is also courted by Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, so it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the young FC Dallas star next season.