Ricardo Pepi is heading to Fulham, and the timing says everything about how his stock has changed.
The USMNT striker is set to complete a move to Craven Cottage after PSV rejected an approach in January. Two months on, the Dutch club have accepted a new offer from the same destination.
That shift is not accidental. PSV’s January stance was shaped by circumstance, not reluctance to sell, and the summer timeline now works in everyone’s favour.
Pepi remains firmly in the USMNT picture ahead of the World Cup. He was included in Mauricio Pochettino’s November 2025 squad and featured off the bench against Paraguay, reinforcing his role in the manager’s plans despite some recent injuries.
PSV’s January decision explained as Fulham return with successful bid
Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images
Fulham’s interest is not new, but PSV’s response has changed significantly. In January, the Dutch side turned down an offer because they could not secure a replacement in time, according to BBC.
Now, with a summer 2026 departure agreed, PSV have the time they lacked in winter to identify and sign a new striker.
That has opened the door for Fulham to complete the deal for the 23-year-old American, who is expected to replace Raul Jimenez, as the Mexican’s contract is running out.
Pepi had suffered a broken forearm last January and was ruled out until late February. He also previously battled a knee issue in the middle of the 2024-25 season. Despite those setbacks, he is still expected to make Pochettino’s final World Cup squad.
Pepi’s PSV numbers show consistency behind Premier League move
Pepi’s output explains why Fulham remained persistent. This season, he has delivered 13 goals and two assists in 26 matches, maintaining a strong scoring rate.
That follows an equally productive campaign the year before, when he recorded 18 goals and three assists in 28 appearances. It marks a second consecutive season of reliable numbers in the Eredivisie.
Consistency at that level has earned him the chance to step up. Fulham are not signing potential alone, they are bringing in a young striker who has already proven he can deliver across multiple seasons.
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