PSV coach Peter Bosz is relieved that U.S. international forward Ricardo Pepi will remain with the club after unsuccessful transfer attempts to Fulham. Pepi was on the verge of joining Fulham in both January and this summer but ultimately stayed at PSV.
Bosz expressed his satisfaction with Pepi's presence: 'I was a bit surprised that his transfer during the last season to Fulham wasn’t working out,' Bosz told The Athletic. 'So obviously I’m happy to have a real goalscorer in my team, because that’s what he is.' The 23-year-old has scored 27 goals in just over two seasons for PSV.
Pepi was set to be the first-choice striker following Luuk de Jong's departure last season but missed time due to an arm fracture. 'I hope he will stay fit, and I’m sure he will stay fit, because normally he’s never injured,' Bosz said. 'But if he stays fit in Holland, I’m really curious how many goals he will score because he is a real goal scorer.' Pepi represented the United States at this summer's World Cup but saw limited playing time.
Pepi has been linked to Fulham for some time now and was part of a pre-agreed deal with the club in the summer, which fell through due to contingencies. 'The first [transfer] fell through on deadline day in January as PSV made the deal contingent on signing a replacement, which it was unable to do,' Bosz explained. 'The second, pre-agreed for the summer, fell through on contingencies if Pepi were to get injured before the deal was processed.' Fulham has since signed Gonzalo Garcia from Real Madrid.
Pepi is set to feature in PSV's opening Eredivisie match against Fortuna Sittard this weekend. If he stays fit and continues his form, Pepi could be a key player for PSV as the club prepares to compete in the Champions League once again. By virtue of winning the Eredivisie, PSV will enter the League Phase of the competition, where Pepi has traditionally performed well.
Pepi is the USMNT's third all-time leading scorer in the Champions League with six goals in 20 appearances, trailing only Christian Pulisic (12) and Weston McKennie (11). Three of his goals came last season against Atlético Madrid, Olympiacos, and Napoli. He also added assists against Napoli and Liverpool.
