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|
Striker Ricardo Pepi |
| Position |
Striker
|
| P.O.B. |
El Paso, Texas |
| D.O.B |
09:01:03 |
| Height |
6' 01 |
| Club |
PSV
|
|
His Wiki page |
Fulham reportedly face a major battle in the race to sign PSV striker Ricardo Pepi this summer with several European giants interested.
Fabrizio Romano reported earlier in the week that Fulham are looking at the 22-year-old as a potential new striker this summer.
Pepi was on fire before his season was abruptly ended by a knee injury, scoring 11 goals in his 18 games across all competitions for the Dutch giants.
Now, according to journalist Ekrem Konur, Juventus and Real Betis have both registered an interest in the striker.
Fulham fans may be excited at the prospect of links with a new striker but who is Ricardo Pepi?
The PSV front man hails from El Paso, Texas and although he was born in the USA he grew up on a diet of Mexican football and even supported the Mexico national team – the country of his mother's birth.
He played for both nations at youth level but he eventually chose to represent the United States in August 2021. "It was a difficult decision," he admitted. "I thought about it for three or four years and I had to talk a lot with my family and the people I trust the most. It was a decision made with my heart."
He is nicknamed 'El Toro', or 'The Bull', and he bagged a hat-trick on his professional debut for North Texas in 2019 while on loan from MLS outfit FC Dallas.
His favourite player is Cristiano Ronaldo but he has previously listed Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus as a big inspiration and Pepi's style isn't too dissimilar to that of the Brazilian.
If Pepi was to sign for the Cottagers he would become the 13th American to play for the club. It's an illustrious list with fan favourites such as Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride and current marauding left-back Antonee Robinson. Oh, and it also includes goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.
Perhaps most importantly of all he looks to be blossoming at the age of 22. Last season he netted 11 times in 18 league outings for PSV on their way to the Dutch title.
Source Jordan Butler at BBC Sport/Alex Roberts at tribalfootball