Fulham Submit £26m Bid for PSV Striker Ricardo Pepi: Selling Club Responds

Fulham have lodged an ambitious £26m (€30-35m) bid for PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi ahead of the January transfer window, but the Dutch club has rebuffed the approach, signaling reluctance to sell their key forward[1][2].

The 22-year-old American international, who turns 23 on January 9, has emerged as Fulham manager Marco Silva's top target to bolster the Cottagers' attack alongside Raúl Jiménez and Rodrigo Muniz, who is returning from injury. Pepi, a United States Men's National Team (USMNT) star, joined PSV from FC Augsburg in 2023 and enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, netting 17 goals in 27 appearances before a knee injury curtailed his progress[1][3].

This season, despite fitness struggles, Pepi has scored 10 goals in 19 games, including five in his last six outings, establishing himself as Peter Bosz's undisputed starter amid injuries to Alassane Plea and Myron Boadu. His contract runs until June 2030, giving PSV significant leverage[1].

Fulham previously led the chase for Pepi last summer, fending off interest from Juventus and Real Betis, but no deal materialized. A successful €35m move would rank as Fulham's second-most expensive signing, behind only Jean Michaël Seri's €40m transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk[1]. Sources like Eindhovens Dagblad report PSV's firm stance against cooperating, prioritizing squad stability during a competitive Eredivisie and Champions League campaign[1][2].

Pepi's form has reignited Premier League interest, with Fulham viewing him as "absolutely lethal" firepower. However, PSV's response suggests negotiations will be tough, potentially forcing Fulham to pivot to alternatives like Fiorentina's Moise Kean[2][3]. As the window opens, the battle for the prolific striker intensifies.

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