The January transfer window continues to be busy for young Americans. Weston McKennie in red hot form, Pulisic back in Tuchel’s plans, and Pepi/Dike make debuts. Justin Che has also made a move to reconnect with a familiar face.
Americans Abroad Weekly: European Debuts, Justin Che Loan, and More
Transfer Update
Another FC Dallas product is on the move. Justin Che, previously at Bayern Munich on loan, is now teaming up with Chris Richards at Hoffenheim. It’s an 18 month loan with a clause for an option to buy.
Sergino Dest to Chelsea is starting to gain some more steam as the January window inches closer to the end. Chelsea are interested in bringing Dest in on a loan after multiple injuries to first team fullbacks. It’s looking increasingly more likely that Dest will team up with fellow American Christian Pulisic.
Weston McKennie
The 23 year old is possibly in the best form he’s ever been in at Juventus. Four consecutive starts, and back to back matches with goals, has McKennie playing at a premier level just in time for World Cup Qualifiers to resume. After the controversy during the September camp, McKennie is proving once again why he is set to be an integral part of the USMNT going forward, and why Allegri can’t ignore him at Juventus.
Christian Pulisic
In what was one of the best Premier League fixtures of the season, Christian Pulisic notched a world class finish to pull Chelsea equal in route to their 2-2 draw with Liverpool. Since, Pulisic has started for the blues in their FA Cup tie with Chesterfield, and against Manchester City this past weekend. It’s starting to look like Pulisic might be back in Tuchel’s plans. He’s played just about everywhere on the field. As a false 9, as a midfielder, and even as a wing-back.
Pepi/Dike Debuts
Ricardo Pepi made his first start in the Bundesliga Sunday in a 1-1 draw with Frankfurt. He went 84 minutes and had some decent chances that he probably should’ve finished. As for Dike, he came off the bench for West Brom and finished off the last 30 minutes in his first Championship action since last May.
A crucial World Cup Qualifying window is on the forefront for the USMNT, so it’s nice to see crucial players finding form, and new homes, in Europe.
