PSV Eindhoven manager Peter Bosz has moved to clarify Ricardo Pepi’s mindset after the striker’s proposed move to Fulham collapsed late in the January transfer window.
Speaking to Dutch media, Bosz addressed the situation directly, insisting there are no lingering issues following weeks of speculation that linked the United States international with a switch to the Premier League.
Bosz addresses Pepi situation after January saga
Pepi was the subject of sustained interest from Fulham throughout the winter window. Marco Silva’s side had tracked the striker since the summer and returned with renewed determination in January, leading to prolonged negotiations with PSV that fluctuated repeatedly.
Initially reluctant to sell, PSV’s stance softened as Fulham increased their offers. The Premier League club eventually tabled a proposal worth around €35 million late in the window, believing the fee would be sufficient to force a breakthrough. Reports at the time suggested Pepi was open to the move and intrigued by the prospect of playing at Craven Cottage.
PSV, however, rejected the offer outright. Club officials concluded that January was not the right moment to sanction a sale, particularly given the lack of time available to source a replacement.
Pepi set to stay put until summer
With the deadline passing, the deal was abandoned and Pepi will now remain in Eindhoven at least until the end of the season. Transfer interest is expected to resurface in the summer window, when PSV would be in a stronger position to reassess their options.
Bosz confirmed he had spoken directly with the striker following the collapse of the move and played down any suggestion of unrest.
“I always talk to all my players, and I definitely sat down with Pepi because this was obviously a topical issue,” — Peter Bosz
Focus shifts to fitness and international ambition
According to Bosz, Pepi has accepted the outcome pragmatically and is now focused on footballing priorities rather than missed opportunities.
“He accepts things as they are. The most important thing now is that he gets fit as quickly as possible. He has to play well to earn a place in the United States squad,” — Peter Bosz
The PSV coach added that Pepi’s longer-term goal is clear, with the striker targeting a strong run of form ahead of the upcoming World Cup cycle.
Key Insights
- Fulham made a late €35m push to sign Ricardo Pepi in January
- PSV rejected the offer due to timing and replacement concerns
- Pepi had been open to a Premier League move
- Peter Bosz insists the striker remains settled and focused
What’s Next
Pepi is expected to return his full attention to club duties as he works back to peak fitness. With the summer transfer window approaching, interest from Fulham and other clubs is likely to return, but PSV now hold the initiative with more time to plan any potential sale.
Should PSV have cashed in on Pepi in January, or was holding firm the right call with a busy second half of the season ahead?
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