West Ham United have been heavily linked with Ricardo Pepi in recent times and, according to Fabrizio Romano, PSV Eindhoven’s Mexican marksman is indeed heading to the Premier League.
But not to the London Stadium.
Less than two months after Ricardo Pepi ‘turned down’ the Hammers – per The Sun – Fabrizio Romano reports that capital city neighbours Fulham have all-but tied up a £31 million summer deal for the Eredivisie poacher.
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A split image of Pablo Felipe, Axel Disasi, Adama Traore and Taty Castellanos all playing for West Ham. A question reads: "Look back now, how you grade the January transfer window?"
Credit: Getty Images/Izzy Poles – AMA/Rob Newell – CameraSport/Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto
On his official X account, Romano claims that Fulham have a ‘verbal agreement’ with PSV Eindhoven.
So if West Ham United were planning to celebrate survival with the signing of another number nine – Callum Wilson is currently set to leave despite speculation of a new deal – Pepi is one name which can be crossed off Nuno Espirito Santo’s striker shortlist.
Ricardo Pepi set for Fulham after West Ham United approach
Romano claims that Pepi is likely to undergo medical tests at Craven Cottage in the next few days.
“Fulham reach verbal agreement to sign Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven, here we go!,” he writes. “Formal steps to follow for 36 million euro package deal agreed between the clubs. Personal terms also agreed.”
Ricardo Pepi during PSV v SBV Excelsior - Eredivisie
Photo by Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Pepi has only started a third of PSV’s Eredivisie matches this season but – with ten to his name – he averages a goal every 93 minutes for the runaway league leaders.
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Interestingly, The Sun suggested in that January report that Pepi rejected West Ham because he had his heart set on Fulham. Of course, the Cottagers did offer the safety of mid-table security, while the Hammers were still adrift in the relegation zone at the time.
It is also worth noting that West Ham’s reported approach for the one-time Augsburg striker came weeks after Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos joined for a combined £40 million-plus. If this is true, it suggests that West Ham feel there is space in Nuno’s squad for another striker.
Ronald de Boer stunned by ‘unbelievable’ Fulham swoop
Pepi is something of an old-school, penalty-box poacher, in contrast to the hard-working Castellanos and the roving Pablo.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport, Dutch legend Ronald de Boer cannot help but scoff at the impending £31 million sale of a striker who has been left out of the PSV XI for 17 of their 27 league matches.
“That is what the football world looks like now. We are talking about Fulham, right, for almost forty million euros,” De Boer laughs. “Fulham can sign strikers for these kinds of amounts. We can’t compete with that anymore. It is unbelievable.”
“Look, Fulham are doing well. But we are talking about Fulham. They can also pay astronomical amounts these days.
“The Premier League is still the best league in the world. They can do whatever they want.”
Ally gets it 😎 Where should Pablo Felipe play for West Ham – as a No.9 or a No.10?
A graphic showing Ally McCoist's quotes on Pablo Felipe during West Ham's FA Cup game against Brentford reading: "He's one these guys that the fans will enjoy watching because he's all effort."
Credit; Getty Images/Ben STANSALL / AFP
Mexico duo Raul Jimenez and Armando Gonzalez both linked
What this means for Fulham veteran Raul Jimenez remains to be seen.
The evergreen Jimenez blossomed alongside Nuno and Adama Traore at Wolves, with recent reports indicating that a reunion may be on the cards [El Futbolero].
ESPN expert Diego Yvey, meanwhile, clams that West Ham held talks with Armando ‘Hormiga’ Gonzalez – Jimenez’s protege in the Mexican national team – during the January window.
Of the 12 Mexican footballers ever to play in the Premier League, four of those wore the claret and blue. That tally will increase if either Jimenez or Gonzalez arrive later down the line.
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