Fulham target £40m Eredivisie attacker | OneFootball

Fulham Reignite Interest in Ricardo Pepi Ahead of January Window

Fulham’s January planning is beginning to sharpen, with renewed focus on PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi as Marco Silva looks to bolster his attacking options. As first reported by the Daily Mail, the west London club have returned to a name that has lingered on their recruitment list for some time, a move shaped by age, injuries, and ambition.

Raul Jimenez, now 34, continues to offer experience and intelligence in the final third, but the demands of a full Premier League campaign require depth. Rodrigo Muniz’s hamstring injury has further underlined the need for reinforcements, particularly a forward capable of leading the line with energy and consistency.

Pepi Profile and Career Context

Pepi, 22, currently with PSV Eindhoven, remains one of the most intriguing young strikers in European football. Nicknamed “El Toro”, the USA international was born in El Paso, Texas, and “although he was born in the USA he grew up watching Mexican football and even supported the Mexico national team as a boy.”

That background has shaped a striker comfortable playing with physicality and movement, traits that appeal to Silva’s pressing and transition-based system. Pepi’s output supports that interest. He “has scored nine goals so far this season on the back of 17 in 28 games last season”, despite suffering a knee injury during that campaign.

Transfer Valuation and Market Competition

PSV value Pepi at “around £35million to £40m”, a figure that reflects both his age and productivity. West Ham tested that valuation last year, but “had an offer around £25m rejected a year ago”, a reminder that PSV are in a strong negotiating position.

Whether Fulham are prepared to meet that asking price remains unclear. Pepi himself is thought to be mindful of stability, with “a World Cup place to play for” a key factor in his thinking, suggesting regular minutes will be central to any decision.

Alternative Options Under Review

Fulham’s recruitment team are also considering Fiorentina striker Moise Kean. The Italy international “has some support within the Fulham backroom and scouting staff but that opinion is not shared by all.” Kean’s previous relationship with Silva at Everton adds context, but Pepi appears to be the more strategic long-term option.

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Our View, EPL Index Analysis

From a Fulham supporter’s perspective, this report feels both ambitious and logical. Pepi represents a forward-thinking move rather than a short-term fix. At 22, he fits the club’s recent model of investing in players who can grow in value while contributing immediately. The quoted £35m to £40m fee is significant for Fulham, but the Premier League market rarely rewards hesitation, especially for proven international forwards.

There is also a sense that Pepi’s profile suits Silva’s system better than some alternatives. His goal record, nine already this season and 17 in 28 last term, suggests a striker comfortable with responsibility. Fans will note his desire to be settled ahead of the World Cup, which could work in Fulham’s favour if a clear pathway to starts is offered.