Fulham are still in “full talks and negotiations” to sign Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven before the World Cup.
That’s according to journalist Mounir Boualin, via Soccer News. He reports that Fulham have not yet abandoned their January efforts.
Their work to get Pepi from PSV Eindhoven has been ongoing for the best part of a year.
Marco Silva’s side first tried in the summer, before returning in the January transfer window.
That led to a drawn-out process which saw several Fulham bids rejected outright by the Dutch club.
They appeared to be swaying on their reluctance to sell, before eventually refusing to sell the 23-year-old on deadline day.
Why Fulham offer is tempting
PSV technical director Earnest Stewart has since admitted that they were tempted by the money on offer. In the meantime, talks over a deal before the World Cup have been taking place.
Boualin now backs that up, reporting that negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing weeks after the end of the January transfer window.
“They’re still in full talks and negotiations,” he said.
“I think Fulham does indeed intend to sign him before the World Cup. It could happen very quickly, although both clubs are still in the middle of the season. It’s only finalized once the deal is finalised.”
Back with a bang
Pepi has been impressing this season, despite a nine-match spell on the sidelines with a broken arm. He returned from that last Saturday and made an instant impact, scoring twice. VAR later ruled one of those goals out.
Still, he showed he hasn’t lost his sharpness, and journalist Wim Kieft believes Fulham may be trying to get ahead of the curve.
“I think Pepi is special, a special goalscorer,” he added.
“He’s always focused on goal. He’s missed a lot, but if he had played the whole season, he would definitely have been the top scorer in the Netherlands.
“Or Fulham are very aware that there’s even more value in this guy. He’s going to play for the World Cup now, so he needs to be fit and sharp. Maybe he’ll shine at the World Cup.”