PSV Eindhoven are only likely to discuss a deal for Ricardo Pepi at around €45m, after Fulham’s recent efforts.
That’s according to journalist Mounir Boualin on the Soccer News Podcast Transfermind. He says Fulham will likely have to wait until the summer to get anywhere near a deal for Pepi.
Marco Silva’s side have been admirers of Pepi for some time. They were keen on him in the summer transfer window also.
Fulham submitted a €30m+ bid for Ricardo Pepi this month, but PSV Eindhoven quickly rejected it.
They’re not interested in selling the striker at this point. Their technical director Ernest Stewart even went public and stated that the €30m+ offer wasn’t interesting for them. That was then followed up be a separate report insisting PSV didn’t’ want to sell until the summer and were looking to secure a World Cup bonus from the striker.
In simple terms, Fulham’s efforts to sign Pepi appear to be fruitless, and Boualin certainly seems to think so as well.
“I think PSV will only be open to talks if the offer is at least €45m,” he said.
“And even then, it’s questionable whether PSV will agree to that. The club would prefer Pepi to stay in Eindhoven at least until the summer.
“To be honest, he’s not at all the Pepi we know from last season right now. Although his statistics have been good in recent matches, I don’t think he’s playing well at all. If he regains his form and proves himself at the World Cup, he’ll be of interest to several foreign clubs in the summer.
“I think there will always be clubs offering the same amount in the summer; it can only be higher. To sell him for around €30m doesn’t seem smart to me.”
