After a slow start at FCA
A total of 87 professionals were loaned out to other clubs by the 18 Bundesliga clubs for the 2022/23 season, mostly with the aim of gaining match practice elsewhere. Among others, Ricardo Pepi, with a record purchase of 16.36 million euros by FC Augsburg. After a disappointing first six months in Germany, the 19-year-old went to FC Groningen in the Eredivisie in the summer. The American is now turning up there.
In seven games Pepi was directly involved in seven goals, on Sunday he scored the opening goal in the surprising 4:2 (3:1) against PSV Eindhoven. With a total of six goals for his new employer, the young attacker is one of the most successful Bundesliga players on loan.
Tillman to Pieringer: Bundesliga loan players with the most goals in 2022/23
Only Marvin Pieringer from Schalke 04, who is playing for second division club SC Paderborn this season, scored eleven goals across all competitions and scored better than Pepi, but also played significantly more games with 13 games.
“I hope that he gets a lot of playing time there, that he finds strength with a good level of self-confidence,” said FCA coach Enrico Maaßen at the beginning of September about the loan to Groningen. “It’s no good for him to be with us if he realizes that it’s difficult for him. And that he also fears for the chance to go to the World Cup.” Pepi, who was part of US coach Gregg Berhalter’s squad during the international break at the end of September, can actually already book the ticket to Qatar given his current form.
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