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After Enzo Maresca guided the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, Leicester City are now tasked with finding a new man to fill the dugout at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester left frustrated by sudden Maresca exit

Maresca's sudden departure came as a shock to much of the Foxes faithful. The Italian had earned plenty of praise during his time at the King Power, winning the Championship title in one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.

Leicester considering "interesting" Maresca replacement with 68% win rate

The Foxes are set to lose Maresca to Chelsea.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 30, 2024

The 44-year-old's success made it all the more disappointing when Maresca jumped ship to fill the vacant head coach position at Chelsea. Senior officials at the club voiced their opposition to the move: “Given the promising foundations established during his single season in charge, the club is disappointed that Enzo has decided at this stage that he no longer wants to be part of our vision”.

Whilst a £10million compensation payment will go some way to soften the blow, the loss of Maresca and the six members of staff he took with him will add to the turbulence at Leicester this summer. With a potential points deduction hanging over their heads, addressing the vacancy in the dugout is just one of the many problems they face before they can start to look towards next season.

With this in mind, the Foxes' higher ups appear to already have a top target to fill Maresca's shoes and guide Leicester in their return to the topflight.

Corberan now leading target for Leicester vacancy

As per The Telegraph, West Bromwich Albion's Carlos Corberan is understood to be the leading target to replace Maresca. The Spaniard has been linked with Leicester after he took the Baggies to a fifth-placed finish in the Championship. Most impressive was the fact that Corberan did this despite financial sanctions curtailing any transfer business over the last season.

With Leicester likely facing similar financial restrictions next season, having a coach who can work under a tight budget would be a major asset to the higher ups. A figure in the region of £4million would be necessary to tempt Corberan away from The Hawthornes, but the club apparently believe he'd fit their criteria perfectly, so it could be money well spent.

Corberan was previously in the dugout at Huddersfield Town when they came agonisingly close to the Premier League, suffering heartbreak in a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in 2022. The 41-year-old has come close to the promised land on numerous occassions, so moving to Leicester would be his first time coaching in the top flight.

The Spaniard first came to England as a youth coach for Leeds United, working under former Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa. Corberan cites the Argentine coach as a major inspiration for his management style too, as the Baggies boss spoke highly of Bielsa in an interview with The Coaches' Voice: "Working with Bielsa was a once in a liftetime opportunity.

"Marcelo showed that his analytical ability and his extensive knowledge of how a team works is limitless. This is something that leaves its mark on you."

Giving Corberan his first break in England's top flight would be a wise move from the Foxes. Whilst their preference was likely to keep Maresca, there are few more suitable replacements than the Spaniard.

With a deal to sign Lloyd Kelly edging closer to completion, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their attention towards another Premier League ace, who certainly has plenty of suitors this summer.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies seem to be wasting no time this summer, taking advantage of Kelly's free-agent status to line up a deal to sign the versatile defender, who will arrive to provide cover for the injured Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman.

The former Bournemouth man isn't the only defender reportedly being lined up, however. After seeing their deal to sign Tosin Adarabioyo on a similar free deal hijacked by Chelsea, Newcastle have seemingly turned their attention to Mario Hermoso. The Atletico Madrid man is set to become a free agent this summer, before potentially making his way to the Premier League. It's there that he could join another Newcastle target.

According to Globo Esporte, relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have expressed interest in signing Andreas Pereira from Fulham this summer, with both the Brazilian and the club accepting that it is time to turn to the transfer market and another season together is unlikely. The Magpies aren't the only interested though, with Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly making contact for the attacking midfielder.

Newcastle eyeing Bellingham 2.0 who's "destined for elite football"

He’s been touted to reach the very top despite his tender age.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 4, 2024

Pereira, earning £50k-a-week at Fulham, has enjoyed quite the revival since his Manchester United struggles and could now get the chance to return to a club competing for a place inside the Premier League's top six as a result. That said, it remains to be seen just how much Fulham could demand for his signature this summer.

"Outstanding" Pereira can replicate Willock's quality

With Joe Willock struggling with injuries throughout the majority of the campaign, Newcastle struggled for attacking intent when it didn't come through Bruno Guimaraes last season. But it's the type of quality that Pereira can replicate in abundance if the Magpies make their move in the coming months. The Brazilian may even need to replace his compatriot's hand in the goals if Guimaraes departs this summer.

It's no surprise that Fulham boss Marco Silva has been so full of praise for his midfielder during his time in London, telling the club's official website after his side defeated Leeds United in the 2022/23 campaign: "He has been outstanding this season. I know a lot of people had doubts when I decided to sign him but I knew his qualities and his character.

"Even last season we had a conversation about his future but it wasn’t the right moment for him to join us. He’s a key player on and off the ball and with set pieces. Two assists this afternoon. A top professional who is enjoying himself at the moment in a white shirt. The three midfielders all played an amazing game today."

Tanner Tessmann, Brandon Vazquez and Alejandro Zendejas have been called in by Pochettino as replacements

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• Balogun, Weah, Cardoso out of USMNT camp
• Replaced by Tessmann, Zendejas, Vazquez
• USMNT set to face Panama and Mexico

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Folarin Balogun had a bittersweet weekend as he scored a memorable goal for Monaco before later sustaining a shoulder injury. Reports from France say that the injury was "painful" and could keep him out for several weeks, including the upcoming USMNT camp.

  U.S. Soccer confirmed on Sunday that Balogun will indeed miss camp, as will Tim Weah and Johnny Cardoso, all because of injuries. Weah was unable to feature this weekend for Juventus as he battled his own injury issues.

  Tanner Tessmann, Brandon Vazquez and Alejandro Zendejas have been called in by new coach Mauricio Pochettino as replacements, keeping the squad at 25 players.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  This is unfortunate timing, to put it lightly, for Balogun, who surely would have been eager to impress the new coach during this October window. Balogun remains in a tight race at the striker position, one which has really heated up in recent weeks with the three main candidates scoring goals for their clubs.

  Balogun has been in fantastic form lately, scoring in three of his last four games to assert himself as the presumed starter. Josh Sargent and Ricardo Pepi are hot on his heels, though, and those two will now have the chance to make up ground in the race during the October camp.

  Vazquez, meanwhile, will now get a chance to impress as well, having largely been left out of the main team by former coach Gregg Berhalter.

  Weah has been battling injuries since Juventus' season opener, which kept him out of September camp, opening the door for Zendejas' return to the national team.

  Tessmann, meanwhile, is fresh off an impressive Olympic run this summer with the U23 squad as he takes Cardoso's spot in the midfield.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Balogun committed to the USMNT in May 2023, making the one-time switch after representing England on the youth level. He's scored five goals in 17 international appearances, including two at this past summer's Copa America.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

  The U.S. will play two friendlies in mid-October, first hosting Panama in Austin in Pochettino's inaugural game in charge. After that, the team will face Mexico in Guadalajara as the new coach will get a first look at the fiercest rivalry in CONCACAF.

In search of another attacking boost after already welcoming 18-year-old Luis Guilherme, West Ham United are now reportedly interested in signing a player whose quality they've already experienced first-hand.

West Ham transfer news

The Hammers didn't waste any time before getting their summer window started, welcoming Guilherme for a reported £26m. The Brazilian becomes Julen Lopetegui's first signing in what the boss will hope is a sign of things to come in the next few months. Reports certainly suggest that West Ham aren't done there, either, having also been linked with the likes of Youssef En-Nesyri and Chelsea's Raheem Sterling.

West Ham in contact to sign Serie A defender for Lopetegui

He’s been called a “complete” player as Lopetegui looks to strengthen his squad.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 11, 2024

Sterling would be a particularly interesting one. Whilst he didn't have his best season last time out in a struggling Chelsea side, his experience could quickly prove to be invaluable at the London Stadium and his ability at his best, if he reached that level again, would make him an instant standout for the Hammers. That said, it remains to be seen if Chelsea would sell to a London rival this summer.

Instead, West Ham have reportedly turned their attention towards a former Stamford Bridge star. According to Roma Corriere, West Ham are now interested in signing Tammy Abraham, who is valued at €30m (£25m) by AS Roma this summer. The former Chelsea striker has seen his time in Italy derailed by injuries and could now return to England with West Ham, Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa all interested in his signature.

The Hammers should be well aware of his quality already too, having seen Abraham score twice in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over them in the 2020/21 season. Tormenting Angelo Ogbonna and Fabián Balbuena on that day, Abraham would certainly have some making up to do at the London Stadium.

With plenty of clubs interested, however, West Ham will have to waste no time if they want to welcome a crucial attacking boost this summer.

"Great" Abraham needs Premier League return

After fighting back from an ACL injury last season, Abraham finds himself at a crossroads at Roma and one that should lead back to the Premier League. There's no doubt that he has the quality for England's top tier, as he proved when handed an opportunity at Chelsea. Now, it is West Ham who should offer him a similar chance.

Earning the praise of Frank Lampard during his time at Chelsea, the former manager told the club's official website: "I’m delighted with Tammy. He has a really great attitude in training, a desire to score goals and his all-round game was really good as well. Myself and the staff are working closely with him on little bits of his game where I think he can be even better and he’s been very receptive to that."

With the summer transfer window still in its early stages, all signs are pointing towards a busy few months for those at the London Stadium.

From brilliant goals to scoreless draws, stupendous transfers to woeful campaigns, it was a year to remember in MLS

The 2024 MLS campaign has officially wrapped, with the regular season coming to an end with one of the most dramatic Decision Days ever.

Atlanta United jumpied into the postseason unexpectedly, eliminating Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke and D.C. United from contention, while LAFC stole the regular season Western Conference title out from underneath the LA Galaxy.

Those are just two moments across 39 matchdays, though. For nine months, MLS sides made the push for the ultimate goal of qualifying for the playoffs. Some, such as the Columbus Crew and Inter Miami, were brilliant and played to their standard. Others, such as St. Louis CITY SC, San Jose Earthquakes and the New England Revolution, were unmitigated failures.

From brilliant goals to scoreless draws, from stupendous transfers to woeful campaigns, it was a year to remember – well, for most. GOAL hands out regular season grades for all 29 MLS teams.

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  29San Jose Earthquakes: F

  "Everything is a disaster, frankly. We can’t talk about next year because I don’t know if I’m going to be here next year. I don’t know if some of the guys in the locker room will be here."

  That was striker Jeremy Ebobisse, who said it best after a Sept. 21 loss to CITY. There's nothing more to add, really.

  They were the worst team in MLS this season, and frankly, it was not close. They had no head coach, a skeleton of a roster and a squad with little to no confidence in the direction of the club.

  They ended their campaign with just six total wins in 35 matches, claiming the Wooden Spoon, while setting the most undesirable MLS record of having the worst defense in league history, conceding 78-total goals.

  A change of direction is a must.

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• 28New England Revolution: F

  Caleb Porter's debut season with New England was, frankly, a disaster. The Revolution missed the postseason, finishing 26th in the Supporters' Shield standings, while tying San Jose for the worst goal-differential in the league at -37.

  The lowest-scoring team in the league with just 37 total goals, the Revs averaged just .91 points-per-game this season.

  Porter was brought in to elevate the team, as he's a two-time MLS Cup-winning manager. That did not happen. From feuding with a local media member in a press conference to being fined, suspended by MLS in September for comments about referees, to reportedly arguing with his own players in public, nothing went well.

  And this entire roster will likely be re-evaluated, too.

• 27Chicago Fire: D-

  Chicago's 2024 season was full of twists and turns, but ultimately, one to forget. There was progress made though, in terms of establishing a future for 2025.

  Going 7-18-9 (WLD) across the campaign, the Fire finished bottom of the Eastern Conference, and 28th in the league standings. Nothing clicked defensively or offensively, despite bringing in reinforcements before the campaign began.

  The positive spin, though, is they look set to compete next year.

  The departure of Designated Player Xherdan Shaqiri took one of MLS' most expensive players off their books, while they also brought in a club-record signing in striker Hugo Cuypers. Add in that they'll be led by ex-USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter in 2025, and there's some light at the end of the tunnel. However, their 2024 campaign is one to forget.

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• 26Sporting Kansas City: D-

  Sporting had one of worst campaigns in their history in 2024. The lone highlight was their impressive U.S. Open Cup run, where they ended as runners-up in the historic tournament. However, their regular season was, as best, uneventful.

  They finished 27th in the race for the MLS Supporters' Shield, averaging .91 points-per-game with a record of 8-19-7 (WDL). Conceding 66 goals, they had the league's third-worst defense, too.

  Peter Vermes, who has been in charge of the club since 2009, is a coach to watch this offseason. He's long been the heart of Sporting as a soccer team, but change may be needed if they want to revert to their winning ways.

  Their last Cup title came in 2017, and their last MLS Cup was in 2013.

Mikel Arteta remains confident that his team will take league leaders Liverpool head on despite missing key players due to injuries and suspensions.

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• Arteta remains confident ahead of Liverpool clash
• Will miss key players due to injuries & suspensions
• Gunners take on the Reds on Sunday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  On Sunday, a depleted Arsenal will be hosting an in-form Liverpool side in a key Premier League clash. Arteta will be missing the services of key players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. While Saka, Odegaard and Timber are suffering from injuries, Saliba is out of the clash for serving a one-match suspension due to his sending-off in the Bournemouth clash last weekend.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, despite the several injuries and suspensions, Arteta remained confident that the Gunners will put up a tough fight against Arne Slot's men. After the setback against the Cherries, the North London side bounced back in the Champions League as they beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 in the midweek. The Reds, on the other hand, are on an eight-game winning streak across all competitions.

• WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

  Speaking to reporters at his pre-match press conference, the Gunners boss said, "This is the game. Obviously, we didn't want to be in those situations but we are really lucky as well to have the squad that we have, to have the players that we have, to have the attitude that we have. When it comes down to reacting to a difficult situation, don't feel sorry for ourselves; face it. We are a team that knows how good we are as well and how difficult we can be for the opponent. Having that ruthless mentality in the team is something I love."

  He added, "We have different options [in defence]. That partnership [between Saliba and Gabriel] has been very stable but we have to find a solution. [There is] so much going on with the backline but we have had to adapt to that and the versatile players have been really useful. We had a day off after the Champions League and two days to prepare the game. This is a big match, a big opportunity, and we love these kind of matches at the Emirates.

  "The team is really looking forward to it. We have to maintain playing with dominance and belief. Our belief, energy and commitment is needed in a big match like this. "Arne Slot's start has been very good. They are in a really great moment and run. They’re a team who for nine years have been competing at the highest level."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  After facing Liverpool this Sunday, the Gunners will next take on Preston in EFL Cup round of 16 clash before facing Newcastle United in the Premier League in November 2.

Having already reportedly agreed a deal to sign Tim Iroegbunam this summer, Everton have seemingly turned their attention to finally solving their attacking problems for Sean Dyche.

Everton transfer news

Even as the Toffees' takeover struggles continue, they've still managed to start their summer in the best way possible with the pending arrival of Iroegbunam for a reported £9m. The Aston Villa prospect will arrive with plenty of potential and could even become the solution to Everton's potential Amadou Onana problem, as the Belgian's Goodison Park future continues to be thrown into doubt.

If Everton want to finally push away from the threat of relegation and into the comforts of mid-table in the Premier League, they'll need more than just Iroegbunam, however, with a solution to their attacking problems also needed. Dyche and those above him seem to be well aware of that as well, with one particular target who knows all about scoring in English football reportedly lined up.

Everton already lining up Dyche's next priority signing after Iroegbunam

The Toffees are wasting no time.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 20, 2024

According to Santi Aouna, Everton have made a "very interesting" offer to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille this summer. The attacking midfielder is reportedly seen as a "priority" after being followed by Everton for years and could be tempted by a return to England just one year after leaving Sheffield United.

It remains to be seen just how much Everton's offer for Ndiaye was, but it's certainly a positive sign that they're pursuing such players this summer. Ndiaye never waited long enough to get his Premier League chance at Sheffield United, but could finally step into England's top-flight in an attempt to replicate his Championship form.

"Unbelievable" Ndiaye needs Premier League chance

After a mixed first season at Marseille, a return to English football could take Ndiaye back to his very best, especially if he finally gets the Premier League chance that he once left behind. His Championship form in the 2022/23 season certainly suggests that he is more than capable of stepping up to the quality needed in the top-flight. Now, it could be Everton who give him that chance.

A true all-rounder going forward, it's no surprise that Ndiaye earned such high praise from former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom in the 22/23 Championship season.

Heckingbottom said via the Yorkshire Post: "I am going to talk and sound as if I am biased. But you know what I think of Iliman as a player. He can do it against anyone – handling the ball in tight areas at the top end of the pitch where the best players do damage. He's got all that.

"Playing in the Championship doesn't mean players don't handle the ball any better. He's unbelievable with the ball and not many Premier League players can do what he does with the ball."

In the midst of a hectic summer transfer window so far, Newcastle United have reportedly made their first move to sign a central defender who Eddie Howe loves.

Newcastle transfer news

As they raced against time to avoid any profit and sustainability charges, Newcastle showed the door to the likes of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson, who joined Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest respectively. In return for the latter, the Magpies also welcomed goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, who adds depth to Howe's shot-stopping options.

Of course, it's only in the last week that the Magpies may have really started their serious summer business, having finally welcomed a new sporting director in the form of Paul Mitchell following the exit of Dan Ashworth to Manchester United. Mitchell arrives with the task of transforming the Magpies into top four regulars in the Premier League, starting with this summer's business.

Speaking for the first time since his arrival, the new sporting director told Newcastle's official website: "It's with immense pride that I accept the responsibility of being Newcastle United's new sporting director.

"I've seen the recent growth and ambition of the club. This, plus the amazing fan base, made the decision to join an easy one. I can't wait to get started and help continue the organisation's growth and long-term competitiveness in all areas of elite football performance."

Imagine him & Gordon: Newcastle battling Bayern Munich to sign £42m talent

The attacker could prove to be the final piece in Howe’s attacking puzzle.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 4, 2024

With that said, Mitchell's first task could include a trip to Italy to land a defensive reinforcement for the Magpies. According to CalcioMercato, Newcastle have made contact over a move to sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan this summer in a deal that would reportedly be worth between €35m-€40m (£30m-£34m) this summer. Howe is reportedly a big fan of the German and could yet see his side welcome a crucial addition to his backline.

"Brilliant" Thiaw can replace Schar

Whilst Fabian Schar is very much still at the heart of Howe's side, it won't be too long before Newcastle will have to start thinking about a replacement given that he is now 32 years old. That's when they should turn to Thiaw to step in and fill that pending void. The 22-year-old has shown plenty of promise at Milan and looks more than capable of completing a Premier League move.

Thiaw's passing stats are particularly impressive up against Schar's given the Swiss star's excellence on the ball, and highlight a trait that Howe will need in abundance when the latter is ready to step aside at St James' Park.

With plenty more to come at such a young age, it's no surprise that Thiaw has earned such high praise from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who described the Milan man as "simply brilliant" on X. Now, if Newcastle step up their interest, it could be those at St James' Park benefitting from that brilliance.

Erik ten Hag has shared a heartfelt message with Manchester United fans after being sacked by the club earlier this week.

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• Ten Hag sacked following dire run
• Coach shared heartfelt message
• Departs with two cup victories

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Posting on X via his representation SEG Football, Ten Hag spoke for the first time about United's decision to end his tenure after over two years managing the club. His message expressed a deep appreciation for the fans and their support for the club, through both difficult periods and more positive times.

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  Ten Hag was reportedly left 'completely devastated' after the United hierarchy terminated his contract, although the reported £15 million payout the Dutch coach is set to receive would have presumably softened the blow somewhat. Still, it's clear the sacking has hit the 54-year-old hard, and many fans will be sympathetic after seeing his emotional goodbye message – especially given the shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City earlier this year.

• WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  In the statement, ten Hag wrote: "Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable. The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times." He continued: "I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad. We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end. I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG?

  Reports have suggested that the former United boss has retreated to an Austrian hideaway to reflect and get some well-earned rest and time away from the media. Meanwhile, his replacement Ruben Amorim will take the reins in arguably the most demanding and high-pressure job in football. With the Sporting CP coach set to take charge of the Red Devils on November 11, he has already started plotting his early transfers.

Ricardo Pepi has been waiting, and he'll likely get his opportunity against Jamaica in Nations League quarterfinals

ORLANDO, Fla. – In the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup, the U.S. men's national team didn't have a set striker. There was no starting No. 9. Ricardo Pepi, who many believed had the potential to be the "guy," was left at home when the tournament kicked off. Instead, Jesus Ferreira, Josh Sargent and Haji Wright rotated in and out. Consider that only Wright scored out of the group, in limited action, it was an issue that largely went largely unsolved.

Now, two years later, that race is still in a state of flux. Unlike 2022, though, it isn't that there's a lack of strikers making their case; it's that there are too many. There are multiple players scoring at a high level in Europe, offering new coach Mauricio Pochettino options. There are different styles at play, too, which provides flexibility to the USMNT boss.

But, as the U.S. prepares to take on Jamaica in a must-win CONCACAF Nations League tie, that flexibility is gone. Those options aren't there. Due to a series of injuries, the goalscoring responsibility looks like it'll fall right back to Pepi, a player who has been fighting to earn an opportunity like this for some time.

"I'm at a point in my career right now where I'm ready," Pepi said. "I'm ready to start, to get more playing time. I feel like I've been showing that, whether with my club or national team. That's just how I'm feeling. I'm feeling ready to be the man, to be the starter. I feel like I've been proving that. I'll continue with the same mentality and continue to take advantage of my opportunities."

Folarin Balogun is out. Josh Sargent is, too. Injuries have dramatically shaken up the USMNT striker pool. This is an rare opportunity to be the "guy" up top for Pepi, but the upcoming games for Jamaica also present an opportunity for Brandon Vazquez to showcase that he deserves to be in mix for minutes at striker as well.

Here is a look at what both men could potentially gain from the upcoming Nations League quarterfinals…

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  Pepi's post-World Cup fight

  At the time of the 2022 World Cup roster announcement, Pepi was very much in the rebuilding phase. He'd just endured a nightmare six-month stint at Augsburg and was now on loan at Groningen. In September 2022, he scored his first Groningen goal against Sparta Rotterdam, breaking a nearly-year-long goalscoring drought.

  As a striker, you can't go a year without scoring and expect much. Pepi, ultimately, paid the price. He wasn't called into the World Cup squad, and that scoring drought was the big reason.

  In the two years since, Pepi has rediscovered the form that made him the most expensive American export in MLS history at $11 million. His move to PSV hasn't always produced starting minutes, but it has produced plenty of goals. Despite being a supersub, Pepi has made his impact, scoring in major games both in the Eredivisie and Champions League.

  "To be honest, it's been a long year and a half of being patient on the bench, waiting to play 10-15 minutes every weekend," Pepi says. "It got a little frustrating, but at the same time, I know that I have to be patient with the process."

  After scoring seven Eredivisie goals in just 459 minutes last season, Pepi has six in 420 minutes this season. It's an unreal strike rate, one that would earn Pepi more chances if Luuk de Jong wasn't killing it in front of him, too.

  "The things that he's gone through as a professional have been very challenging," USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner said of Pepi, "and for him to have the mentality that he still has…It's easy to just be like, 'The cards are stacked against me and I'm going to shy away from it because it's just not happening for me'. But no, he's continued to knock down barriers, knock down the door, score a Champions League goal, if I'm not mistaken, and things like that. He's grown a lot, and he's a really crucial player to our national team."

  Pepi's goals have earned him his place with the USMNT and, with both Sargent and Balogun both out, these matches against Jamaica will give him the chance he's been working towards earning since 2022.

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  A real chance

  Despite his goals on the club level, Pepi has largely remained a supersub on the national team level. Balogun has been the starter since he committed in Spring 2023. Last camp, Sargent, who has often been struck by the injury bug, started over Pepi against Panama. Pepi returned to PSV after an injury, which means he didn't have a chance to build on the goal he scored against .

  Since the 2022 World Cup, Pepi has started just four USMNT matches. He's also scored eight USMNT goals during that span. It's a wild return that hasn't yet been rewarded with a legitimate chance at starting games.

  "Yet" is the key word there. Pepi will likely start in both games against Jamaica. And it's in moments like this a striker proves his worth, particularly when there's a new coach presiding over a team.

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  Pochettino's thoughts

  Mauricio Pochettino is still very new to the USMNT. This is just his second camp in charge, his third and fourth games. Players are still in the auditioning process, although that process won't go on for long given the short run-up to the 2026 World Cup.

  It's still hard to really grasp how Pochettino will use his strikers, largely because he's hardly had them. Balogun was injured last camp, which means he will have to wait until the spring of 2025 to play under the new coach. Sargent got two games but is now missing this round of games after another injury. By the end of this camp, Pepi will almost certainly have played the most minutes out of the striker group under Pochettino, largely by default.

  “It’s true these types of injuries have opened opportunities for other players to get more minutes,” Pochettino said. “It’s a great opportunity for him to get the opportunity to play and show his talent.

  He added, “Of course, we’re disappointed with Haji, Sargent and Balogun injured and can’t be in the squad, but it’s a chance for him and Brandon Vazquez to fight for their spot on their team.”

  He added: "Pepi is a fantastic player, but it's more about potential. Now is a great opportunity for him to trust and show the possibility to play and show his talent. We are going to be very, very, very tough with him to try to make him to learn quick, and realize the thing that [he] need[s] to prove in other areas."

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  The Vazquez effect

  Although Pepi is favored to get the start against Jamaica, this is an important set of matches for Vazquez, too. If the U.S.'s match against Mexico last month is any indication, he'll have a part to play.

  With the USMNT struggling to do much of anything against , Vazquez came off the bench to provide some life to the attack. In just 27 minutes, he fired off three shots, created a chance and had five touches in the opposing box. Sargent, by comparison, had zero in his 63 minutes. It was exactly what you'd want from a substitute striker: a impactful spark.

  So, with that said, what role will Vazquez play this camp? As things stand, likely a supersub role. At this level, Vazquez is a perfect change of pace, whether your team is winning or losing. When winning, his physicality and energy can help a team find control as opponents bomb forward. When losing, he's a good change-of-pace option, someone who can win physical duels and, as he's shown in Monterrey, where he's scored can also bang in goals.

  As Jamaica get potential fatigued over the course of a match, Vazquez is the perfect change-up. Stylistically, he brings something different than Pepi, which can either help the U.S. see out a game or fight back in one if the do get ahead.