Fulham ‘to sign’ Sunderland-linked Ricardo Pepi in £28.5m deal | OneFootball

BBC Sport reports that Fulham are closing in on a £28.5m move for Sunderland-linked striker Ricardo Pepi, who is set for a medical at Craven Cottage after arriving in London on Wednesday. The 23-year-old is expected to sign a contract running to 2031.

Fulham made an attempt in January but PSV chose to keep him for the rest of the season, while Sunderland had also been credited with interest at that point. Eindhovens Dagblad reports that PSV are prepared to cash in early to fund reinforcements and plan their summer, and that while Pepi’s finishing is not in doubt, parts of his off-the-ball work no longer suit their long-term model. It is also said the American pushed for a move, with London a major draw, and that once Fulham met the valuation PSV were content to proceed.

Marco Silva’s side want attacking reinforcements, with experienced forward Raul Jimenez out of contract in the coming months. The Mexican has scored twice against Sunderland this season.

Pepi has 34 USA caps and 13 goals in 29 club appearances this season, including three in five Champions League matches. He is expected to feature prominently at this summer’s North American World Cup.

Elsewhere, Everton, Leeds United and West Ham were also touted as admirers earlier this year.

Source: Sunderland Echo