FC Dallas hopeful of retaining Ricardo Pepi for the 2022 MLS season

Ricardo Pepi has made it clear that he wants out of FC Dallas, because he is ready to make the jump to Europe’s top-tier leagues. Back in October the 18-year-old striker  put in a transfer request to Dallas front office amid the interest of several UEFA Champions League clubs.

FC Dallas wants to retain Pepi

Pepi wants out of FC Dallas, but the president of the club, Dan Hunt, is hopeful to retain the United State men’s national team striker ahead of the 2022 Major League Soccer regular season. “Definitely, I expect Ricardo to be back next season with us [FC Dallas],” he said during an interview with Al Día.

The reason behind retaining Pepi is because the president believes that the USMNT striker needs to continue maturing as a player before making the jump to Europe. The 18-year-old finished the 2021 MLS regular season with 13 goals and added three more in six matches with the national team.

“Ricardo needs to play and keep scoring goals. The U.S. National Team head coach, Gregg Berhalter, has said he will keep calling Ricardo. The USMNT has been very successful with Ricardo Pepi on the field. Another year for Ricardo here in Dallas would be of great benefit for him and great benefit for the national team,” said Hunt.

“By playing next season in Dallas, Ricardo can help us win a championship, he can help the national team qualify for the Qatar World Cup and then play in that World Cup”, he added. “Ricardo’s future is incredible and shining, but I think the best Ricardo can do for his career is continue his process. He’s still very young,” he concluded.