For soccer players worldwide, the Premier League represents a pinnacle, often paired with significant financial incentives. This appeal can lead players, like PSV Eindhoven’s striker Ricardo Pepi, to leave favorable situations in other European leagues for opportunities in England, which sometimes don’t yield expected advantages.

A proposed transfer for Pepi to join Fulham was close to realization but ultimately fell through due to PSV’s inability to secure a replacement on the transfer deadline day. While this means Pepi won’t be joining Antonee Robinson at a club with a rich history of American players finding success, it also serves as a crucial lesson based on Pepi’s last move to one of Europe’s top leagues.

After departing FC Dallas, Pepi signed with Augsburg in the Bundesliga but struggled, appearing in only 16 matches over two seasons, before moving to FC Groningen in the Netherlands, where he successfully revitalized his career.

The repercussions of Pepi’s underperformance in Augsburg considerably affected his standing with the United States men’s national team, leading to his absence from the 2022 World Cup. Fortunately, Pepi’s subsequent move to PSV has showcased his capabilities, although he has yet to complete a full season due to ongoing injuries.

With another World Cup approaching in 2026, minimizing time off the field is critical for Pepi. While he has shown resilience by obtaining consistent playtime with PSV, having not scored for the USMNT since the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals in November 2024, Pepi’s focus must now be on maintaining form.

The transfer window has closed, leaving Pepi with an opportunity to close the season positively while also setting up for the World Cup. Expectations remain high, and should Pepi continue to exhibit fine performances, a move to Fulham or a similar club could still arise next summer as Raul Jimenez ages and the opportunity presents itself.