USMNT star to emulate Clint Dempsey: Fabrizio Romano teases €30m transfer

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 18 Jun 2025 21:04 BST
  • 4 min read
Clint Dempsey, Fulham
© IMAGO

Premier League side Fulham are interested in PSV and USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Article continues under the video

Pepi had a mixed season at PSV, where he was a regular starter in the first half of the campaign. However, the American striker had to miss most of the second half of the term due to injuries.

Despite his fitness issues, Pepi is a man in demand as he scored prolifically in his limited minutes, netting a whopping 18 goals and providing three assists in 29 appearances.

Current ETV
Player image Ricardo Pepi
Ricardo Pepi

F (C)

PSV logo

PSV

Ricardo Pepi
Ricardo Pepi

F (C)

PSV

PSV

€18.3M

ETV Range

€16.5M - €20.1M

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Premier League side Fulham are considering making an approach for the 22-year-old, while other clubs are also expected to enter the race for him.

The Cottagers, of course, have a great tradition of signing Americans. 16 US nationals have to date represented Fulham, with Pepi potentially soon getting the chance to follow in the footsteps of legendary strikers Clint Dempsey and Brian McBride.

PSV determined to keep Pepi

However, according to Rik Elfrink of the Eindhovens Dagblad, PSV have great confidence in Pepi and are demanding a pretty penny just to consider a sale this summer.

PSV recently extended Pepi's contract, which means he is now tied to the Philips Stadium until 2030. Elfrink confirms that there is significant interest, but insists that it would require a 'crazy' bid to prise him away from the Eredivisie giants.

Ricardo Pepi
© IMAGO - Ricardo Pepi

There has been talk of potential fees in the region of €25 million to €30m, but the journalist insists that this will not be enough to break the resolve of PSV director - and former USMNT midfielder - Earnie Stewart.

Should Pepi get sold for over €33m this summer, it would make him the second-most-expensive American in the history of football behind Christian Pulisic, who cost Chelsea €64m in 2019.

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