PSV Eindhoven have rejected an offer from West Ham United for forward Ricardo Pepi.
West Ham have submitted an initial loan deal for the USA international with an obligation to make the move permanent. The fee involved is €25m (£20.9m).
However, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the Dutch champions have snubbed the offer as West Ham’s frustrating search for a forward continues.
Ricardo Pepi for PSV Eindhoven:
☑️68 games
⏩10 starts
⏱️1727 minutes
⚽️26 goals
🅰️6 assists
📊directly involved in a goal every 54 minutes22 years of age. Incredibly prolific. 🇺🇸🔥 pic.twitter.com/Kxc2FGd3DH
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) January 29, 2025
Graham Potter is determined to bring in reinforcements before the transfer deadline, amid injuries to Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug.
Pepi has been in prolific form for PSV this season despite limited involvement in Eindhoven. He has scored 11 goals in the Eredivisie, despite starting just five times for Peter Bosz’s side. Across all competitions, Pepi has scored 17 goals at an average of a goal every 62 minutes.
The Texas-born forward has also netted 13 times in 33 caps at international level since his debut for the United States in 2021.
West Ham are likely to return with an improved offer for the 22-year-old as the East Londoners look to strike a deal before the deadline. Premier League clubs have until 11pm on Monday February 3rd to make new signings.
The Hammers failed with a £59m offer for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran earlier in the January window. Duran is now closing in on a move to the Saudi Pro League after Villa agreed a €77m (£64m) deal with Al Nassr.
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