Southampton are keen to edge all rival interest to sign Dallas striker and reported Liverpool target Ricardo Pepi during the January transfer window, according to TuttoMercatoWEB.
The Saints have held a long-standing interest in the United States sensation, having studied a move this summer. Pepi has since widened his possible market in Europe after a stunning Major League Soccer season, which saw him named the league’s Young Player of the Year.
Pepi made his senior Dallas debut at 16-years-old in 2019, but only broke through as a first-team regular this year. He started 24 of his 31 MLS outings and scored 13 goals, while also offering three assists. The Texas native had only scored three in 28 previous appearances.
Southampton are now preparing a full assault on Dallas in the January transfer window for Pepi’s services. But the St Mary’s side will face firm competition from Serie A with Bologna.
Like Southampton, Bologna are positioning themselves as a landing spot for Pepi after the Rossoblu followed his 2021 season closely. Yet the Saints are keen to edge all rival interest to see that the teenager – who made his USMNT debut in September – moves to England.
Liverpool face Southampton competition for Dallas striker Pepi’s transfer
Southampton could face competition from Liverpool if they move to sign Dallas star Pepi in the January transfer window. CBS have previously cited the Reds, Inter Milan, Ajax, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund as some of the European heavyweights who are also keen.
Additionally, they and 90min noted Pepi submitted a transfer request to the Dallas front office. He informed the MLS franchise of his desire to leave the Toyota Stadium in January. CBS also added the seven-cap gem has already agreed on personal terms with Wolfsburg.
Die Wolfe do not, however, have an agreement with Dallas for the transfer of Liverpool and Southampton target Pepi. But the Toros are open to selling for offers of $12-15m (£9-11m).
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Dallas are reluctant to sell Pepi in January as they believe his value will strengthen in 2022. Instead, CBS note they would rather keep him until after the World Cup when his stock may be highest. He already has three goals and three assists in seven USMNT caps, six starts.
Additionally, Goal note Pepi has drawn comparisons with some of Europe’s best strikers of the current era. Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland and Edin Dzeko being those the Texan is likened to, given the 6ft gem’s free-scoring nature ahead of his 19th birthday in January.
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