Fulham have reportedly reignited their interest in signing United States international striker Ricardo Pepi from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven.
Silva Seeks Striking Reinforcements
The push for a new forward is being driven by manager Marco Silva, who is keen for the club to provide him with more options in attack. The current situation at Craven Cottage highlights the need for fresh blood: veteran striker Raúl Jiménez is now 34 years old, while Rodrigo Muñiz is working his way back to full fitness following a hamstring injury.
Fulham have explored other avenues, including a potential move for Italian international Moise Kean at Fiorentina. Kean has the advantage of having previously worked under Silva during their time together at Everton. However, the West London club's attention has returned to a familiar target in Ricardo Pepi, whom they tried to sign last summer.
The 'El Toro' Prospect and His Price Tag
The 22-year-old striker, nicknamed 'El Toro', hails from El Paso, Texas. Although born in the USA, he grew up watching Mexican football and even supported the Mexican national team as a child. His market value has soared following impressive performances in the Eredivisie.
PSV Eindhoven now value the player between £35 million and £40 million. This represents a significant increase from just a year ago, when West Ham United saw a £25 million bid for Pepi rejected. The American's form justifies the asking price: he has netted nine goals so far this season, building on an excellent previous campaign where he scored 17 goals in 28 appearances before a knee injury interrupted his progress.
Key Hurdles in the Potential Deal
Two major factors will determine whether this transfer materialises. Firstly, the willingness of PSV to sell one of their key assets in the January window is uncertain. Secondly, Pepi himself will be considering his international future, with a settled club situation seen as crucial for securing his place in the USA squad for the upcoming World Cup.
While Moise Kean retains some support within Fulham's scouting department, that opinion is not universally shared at the club. This division could pave the way for a concerted effort to finally secure Pepi's signature, as Silva looks to bolster his attacking ranks for the second half of the Premier League season.
