Fulham reach breakthrough for £32m Ricardo Pepi signing – but new signing hit by immediate injury blow | OneFootball

Fulham look to have finally made the breakthrough in their pursuit of Ricardo Pepi, with sources indicating to TEAMtalk that an agreement worth around £32million has now been struck with PSV Eindhoven for the American striker.

The 34-times capped USA international has impressed since moving to the Netherlands, scoring 37 times in 90 appearances for PSV following his arrival from Augsburg in 2023. But with the Cottagers having identified his signing months ago and having spent weeks working on a would-be deal, Fulham have finally reached a breakthrough.

We can reveal it’s a move the London club have been working on throughout January, and despite complications around the player’s fitness, they are pushing hard to get it over the line before the window shuts.

Pepi is currently sidelined with a broken arm and isn’t expected to return to action until March, but that hasn’t deterred Marco Silva, who sees the 21-year-old as a long‑term investment and a key addition to his squad.

The player has made it clear to PSV that he wants the move, eager to follow the path carved out by fellow Americans Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride and Tim Ream, all of whom became fan favourites at Craven Cottage.

TEAMtalk can now reveal the structure of the deal is largely in place, but there remains a race against time to complete the permanent transfer before Monday’s deadline.

We’re told that if the paperwork cannot be finalised in time, both clubs are prepared to switch to a loan with an obligation to buy in order to ensure Pepi still makes the move before the 7pm deadline.

Fulham remain confident, PSV are resigned to his departure, and the player himself is pushing for the switch, leaving all parties hopeful that the final details will be wrapped up in the coming hours.

Fulham round-up: Willock transfer hope remains; Sterling deal off

Meanwhile, Fulham still have hope that they could convince Newcastle to sell them Joe Willock, despite turning down a bid from Fulham this weekend, with the value, his stance on the move and why the decision was made revealed.

Elsewhere, Fulham are stepping away from their pursuit of Raheem Sterling after agreeing a deal with Manchester City for Oscar Bobb, sources have told TEAMtalk.

Speaking of Cottagers wingers, they remain desperate to retain Harry Wilson’s services as his contract continues to wind down, and we can reveal .