Multiple outlets frame Pepi as a classic penalty-box finisher rather than a build-up or link-up forward — consistent with his shot volume (3.89/90) and low assist output (1 all season). That's a real, sourced tactical read, not a scouted judgment about his movement or hold-up play.

Ricardo Pepi is a 23-year-old American centre-forward for PSV Eindhoven and the USA national team. Born 9 January 2003 in El Paso, Texas, raised in nearby San Elizario; of Mexican descent. 185cm, right-footed, wears PSV's historic No. 9 (previously Romário, Ronaldo, Patrick Kluivert). Joined PSV permanently on 7 July 2023 for €9M, contract to 30 June 2030, current Transfermarkt value €30.0M. This report is built entirely from public statistical sources (FotMob, Wikipedia, ESPN) and press coverage of his transfer situation and World Cup run — it is not a Tier 3 video-scouted assessment.

Career arc — MLS breakout, a hard Bundesliga landing, and an Eredivisie rebuild. Named MLS Young Player of the Year in 2021 with FC Dallas (13 goals, 31 apps), moved to Bundesliga side Augsburg for $20M+ in January 2022 but scored zero goals in his first 11 appearances adjusting to the level. A 2022-23 loan to FC Groningen rediscovered his scoring touch (12 goals, 29 apps), leading PSV to sign him permanently for €9M in July 2023. He has since won the Eredivisie three straight seasons (2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26).

The knee injury is the central storyline of his last 18 months. In January 2025 he scored the winning goal against Liverpool in the Champions League, then was forced off in the 76th minute with what turned out to be a torn meniscus. Surgery ruled him out for the rest of 2024-25 and that summer's Gold Cup with the USMNT — he still finished the season with 17 goals in all competitions. He described himself as "very close" to returning by mid-July 2025.

2025-26 return season — 16 goals, 1 assist, 1,415 minutes, 7.39 average rating across 26 Eredivisie matches (FotMob). 61 shots, 32 on target (52.46% accuracy), a goal every 3.81 shots, non-penalty xG of 13.53 for the season (0.86 per 90 — 99th percentile in the Eredivisie). Goals modestly outpacing npxG is a mild, not dramatic, positive signal for his finishing. The standout oddity is workload: ~54 minutes per appearance, well below a typical first-choice striker's average, most plausibly reflecting a cautious return from major surgery and PSV resting him once the title was wrapped up early (20-point lead by April). 1 yellow card, 0 red, 0.70 fouls/90 — a clean disciplinary record.

The Fulham transfer is real interest, not a confirmed move. Multiple outlets (ESPN, Goal.com, OneFootball) reported an agreed fee in the €36-40M range around March 2026, with the deal reportedly stalling when Fulham wanted an opt-out clause ahead of the summer window. No official confirmation of a completed transfer exists as of this writing — this card treats PSV as his current club rather than assuming the move went through.

World Cup 2026 — genuine role, not just squad filler. Named to the 26-man squad on 26 May 2026. Came off the bench in the 4-1 win over Paraguay; started vs Australia in place of the injured Christian Pulisic, partnering Folarin Balogun up top and instigating the own goal that put USA 2-0 up in a result that clinched Group D; started again vs Türkiye as USA progressed to the knockout rounds. 35 caps, 13 goals for the USMNT through April 2026 (press-reported).