As The 2022 Winter Transfer Window Opens, Two USMNT Strikers Are Headed For Europe
The 2022 winter transfer window has opened with a bang, especially if you’re a fan of the USMNT, MLS, FC Dallas or Orlando City. On New Year’s Day, Orlando City confirmed the transfer of Striker Daryl Dike to West Bromwich Albion in the English Second Division (EFL Championship). According to ESPN, West Brom will pay $9.5 million, plus a 20% sell-on free for the young American striker. Then, though unconfirmed by either club, several insiders reported that FC Dallas sold another young, talented American striker, Ricardo Pepi, to German Bundesliga side FC Augsburg. Insider Fabrizio Romano reported that Pepi will be sold for $18-20 million plus some performance-related incentives, pending a physical on January 2nd.
The Pepi transfer would be huge if the reported fee is correct - according to Transfermarkt, it would be the second largest sale in MLS history, second only to Atlanta United’s sale of Miguel Almiron to English Premier League side Newcastle United. This would also continue FC Dallas’ legacy of huge European transfers over the last few years, as Pepi would join the likes of Bryan Reynolds, Reggie Cannon and Tanner Tessman. For Orlando City, the Dike transfer is their first to a major European league. Though the Dike transfer is worth less than half of Pepi’s, it is still the fourth highest in MLS history. Orlando got roughly half their previous asking price of $20 million, but the 20% sell-on fee could be an amazing deal for the future.
A fresh, young striker like Pepi could change Augsburg’s fortunes and help the team slowly rise up the table to finish the 2021/22 season strong.
If true, Pepi would be joining an Augsburg side that currently sits 15th in the Bundesliga table through 17 games. Needless to say, the team is not in the best spot right now, as Augsburg have been a top 10 club over the past several season. Perhaps one reason for the club’s recent struggles is their offense (or lack thereof): only 6 players having scored more than 1 goal this season and Augsburg’s leading scorer only has 4 goals. With half the season still to go, a fresh, young striker like Pepi could change Augsburg’s fortunes and help the team slowly rise up the table to finish the 2021/22 season strong.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Dike is joining a West Brom side that is currently sitting 4th in the EFL Championship table, just 8 points from the top spot. When Dike joined Barnsley at a similar point last season, he helped elevate the side into a promotion playoff spot. Right now, West Brom have a talented young English forward in Karlan Grant on their roster, but I think Dike can come in as an immediate starter for a second half push. Let’s hope that Dike can help get this talented West Brom roster into a promotion playoff spot and, better yet, promotion to the EPL next season.
When Dike joined Barnsley at a similar point last season, he helped elevate the side into a promotion playoff spot.
With the winter transfer only recently opened, there are plenty more Americans and MLS stars that could be headed off to Europe soon. There are rumors NYCFC’s James Sands and Taty Castellanos could both be transferred to European clubs in the near future. We could also see talents like Atlanta United defender George Bello and New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner get a shot in Europe as well. What do you make of these moves for Pepi and Dike? What other moves should we expect this winter? Let us know in the comments below!
