Fulham consider second move for PSV striker Ricardo Pepi

Fulham are not prepared to abandon their pursuit of Ricardo Pepi, despite having an initial January approach firmly rejected by PSV Eindhoven and fresh complications surrounding the striker’s fitness.

According to Soccer News, sources in England insist Fulham remain keen on the United States international and are considering whether to make a renewed attempt before the transfer window closes. The Premier League side have already tested PSV’s resolve with a bid worth around €25m earlier this month — an offer that was quickly dismissed.

PSV have made their position clear. The Dutch champions have no intention of selling Pepi in January and were reportedly unimpressed by Fulham’s initial approach. Subsequent reporting in the Netherlands suggested PSV would only even consider talks at figures approaching €45m, and even then would strongly prefer to keep the striker until the summer.

Internally, PSV believe Pepi’s value could rise significantly if he impresses on the international stage later in the year, with the upcoming World Cup seen as a potential catalyst for a major valuation jump. Selling now, unless for an exceptional fee, is viewed as a strategic misstep.

Despite that resistance, Soccer News report Fulham are weighing up a second move. The interest is described as genuine and persistent, underlining how highly Marco Silva rates Pepi as a long-term attacking option.

That stance is all the more striking given recent developments. Pepi suffered a broken arm in PSV’s 5–1 win over Excelsior last weekend, an injury expected to sideline him for a prolonged spell. Some reports suggest he could be out for up to two months, making any immediate January investment a risk-heavy proposition.

On the surface, spending heavily on an injured striker would appear counterintuitive. However, Fulham could be exploring creative solutions. One possibility is agreeing a deal in principle now, while allowing Pepi to remain at PSV until the end of the season.

Such a structure would enable Fulham to move ahead of potential summer competition and secure the player before any World Cup-driven surge in interest, while PSV retain the services of a key asset during the run-in.

Any renewed Fulham approach is likely to hinge on creativity rather than brute financial force. PSV remain in control of the situation, but if Fulham are willing to meet valuation expectations or agree a deferred move, talks could yet reopen before the window shuts.

Should Fulham push now to secure Ricardo Pepi ahead of the summer scramble, or is waiting the smarter move given his injury?