The January transfer window is finally upon us! What is normally a slower window than summer, has already gotten off to a red hot start for USMNT players.
Americans Abroad January Transfer Window edition
Ricardo Pepi
18 year old dual national, now cap tied USMNT striker, burst onto the scene with FC Dallas in the 2021 season. He notched 13 goals and 2 assists in 31 matches for Dallas and 3 goals and 1 assist in 7 appearances for the national team. Pepi now takes his talents to the Bundesliga, joining FC Augsburg for a fee of $20m. He signed a 5 and a half year deal for Augsburg. Augsburg currently sit in 15th and are fighting to stay up. This could be a crucial move for Pepi, as we’ve seen Sargent, Pulisic, and now Reyna, develop well in the Bundesliga.
Daryl Dike
Former Barnsley loanee, Daryl Dike, is heading back to the Championship, but this time for West Bromwich Albion on a permanent move of around $9.5m. Dike was a revelation in the championship for Barnsley last season, and looks to help bring West Brom back up to the Premier League after relegation last season. Dike is rejoining his former manager from Barnsley, Valerian Ismael. West Brom currently sit in 4th and are two points off a guaranteed promotion. Daryl Dike’s build and play style bodes well for the Championship, and I think he will thrive as he did for Barnsley.
James Sands
Coming off winning the MLS Cup with NYCFC, James Sands is headed to the Scottish Premiership side Rangers FC. The move is an 18 month loan with an option to buy. Sands is most known as a central defender but can rotate to the midfield as a CDM if needed. Gregg Berhalter has used him in both spots, and this loan could help find him in good form for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.
Rumors
Though unlikely, recent injuries to Chelsea’s wing backs has sparked interest in Sergino Dest, who continues to be somewhat of an outcast in Xavi’s Barcelona squad. Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic are seemingly always having rumors around them, though a January move is highly unlikely.
