Fulham have reached a verbal agreement to sign United States forward Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven, according to GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano.
The Cottagers have long been linked with a move for the American attacker and they came close to landing him last month, but now they look set to finally land their man.
Fulham boss Marco Silva has often been left frustrated by the club’s transfer business, including last summer, as he looks to try and take the club forward from their current mid-table placing.
The Portuguese manager will want to add quality to his team ahead of next season, especially if he is to commit his future to the club in the coming weeks, with his contract at Craven Cottage due to expire at the end of the campaign.
Ricardo Pepi Set for Fulham Medical
Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Posting on X on Tuesday afternoon, Romano says that Fulham have reached a verbal agreement over a £31m ($41m) package deal with Dutch giants PSV.
Personal terms are also agreed between the Premier League side and the 23-year-old Texan.
With a deal now agreed, the forward could undergo his medical at Fulham in the upcoming days before completing his move ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Pepi Showing His Potential
After scoring 16 goals in 59 appearances for FC Dallas, the 18-year-old secured a dream move to Europe with German club Augsburg in 2022.
It was a transfer that didn’t work out though, with Pepi really finding his feet in the Netherlands instead.
His form during a loan spell with FC Groningen convinced PSV Eindhoven to part with €9m to sign him in 2023, and he has been a huge success.
The now 23-year-old has netted 39 goals in 95 games for the Dutch giants, including 13 in 27 appearances this term.
It was form that nearly saw him join Fulham for £32m during the January transfer window, before a deadline day switch to Craven Cottage collapsed because PSV couldn’t source a replacement in time.
Pepi has 13 goals in 34 caps for his country ahead of the 2026 World Cup this summer, and he will be hoping to make Mauricio Pochettino’s squad and make a big impact in his home country as the USA look to make history.
What Are Ricardo Pepi’s Best Traits?
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT to summarise Pepi’s best traits ahead of his transfer to Fulham, and this is what it said:
Intelligent off-ball movement and positioning
Clinical finishing with strong poacher instincts
Ability to score a variety of goal types
Effective link-up play and combination passing
Solid hold-up play using his physical frame
High work rate and pressing from the front
Good spatial awareness in the box
Composure in front of goal
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