After being linked with Inter Milan, Sampdoria, Ajax and Wolves, it looks like one club has distinguished itself as the clear front-runner for signing Ricardo Pepi this January.
As reported by the only guy that now reports this sort of thing, Fabrizio Romano, the 18-year-old USMNT phenom is on the verge of moving to the Bundesliga from FC Dallas with Wolfsburg currently leading the race.
Wolfsburg is 13th in the table because of an attack that's generated only 17 goals in 17 matches. Lukas Nmecha and Wout Weghorst both have six goals and no other player has more than two.
The club already has an American on the roster in center back John Brooks, while 19-year-old Maryland native Bryang Kayo is on loan at Viktoria Berlin and 20-year-old Californian Ulysses Llanez is on loan at St. Pölten.
Wolfsburg are pushing to sign Ricardo Pepi. Bundesliga is the most likely destination for the USMT talent, as anticipated today ⤵️ #Wolfsburg
There’s still no full agreement with Dallas FC but negotiations are advanced. Work in progress after many clubs showing interest. #MLS https://t.co/Oz5Qt09KzJ— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 26, 2021
Pepi had a breakthrough year for club and country in 2021, scoring crucial World Cup qualifying goals against Honduras and Jamaica and earning MLS Young Player of the Year honors after scoring 13 goals and adding three assists in 31 appearances this season.
The transfer fee will reportedly be in the range of $12 to $15 million, although a source previously said that FC Dallas had already received offers greater than $13.5 million.
