Fulham may end up regretting their failure to get Ricardo Pepi in January, as a big World Cup in the summer awaits.
That’s at least according to Pierre van Hooijonk. He has defended PSV Eindhoven’s decision to block the move, in comments relayed by Voetbal 4 U.
Fulham have been tracking Pepi since the summer transfer window. Marco Silva’s side failed to get him then but revived their efforts in January instead.
That led to a month-long battle of wills with PSV in which the deal went backwards and forwards continuously. At one stage, it appeared that PSV had relented and would accept a €35m bid from Craven Cottage.
But, their failure to identify a replacement quickly saw the deal dashed. Pepi remained at the club until the summer at least. That suits PSV, who have long wanted to see how he performs at the World Cup before selling. The hope for Marcel Brands and co is that he gets a World Cup bonus.
Fulham transfer plan right, but competition may grow
Couhaib Driouech, Ricardo Pepi
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 21: Ryan Flamingo, Couhaib Driouech, Dennis Man Ricardo Pepi of PSV during UEFA Champions League League Phase MD3 match between PSV and SSC Napoli
Van Hooijdonk can certainly see it happening. He’s been arguing that PSV were right to reject Fulham’s advances.
“You have a striker on board who you know his capabilities,” he said.
“Sure, he’s been injured, but you have to go out to the market yourself and find Pepi’s calibre. And you’re not going to get him for €5m.
“Pepi still has room for improvement, and there’s a World Cup coming up, who knows what will happen there. If he scores three for the USA…”
While that may be a worrying scenario for Fulham, Wim Kieft at least thinks they’re doing the right thing in targeting the striker.
“It’s a good move by Fulham, because he’s simply a top scorer. He’ll always score goals, wherever he goes. I think it’s good that PSV kept him,” he added.