Fulham’s pursuit of USMNT star Ricardo Pepi has fallen through over a critical disagreement regarding injury liability, despite the player passing a medical
The ambitious attempt by Fulham to bolster their attacking options with PSV Eindhoven’s Ricardo Pepi has fallen through, marking the second time in three months that the deal has failed at the finish line.
The 23-year-old American striker travelled to England last week with his club’s permission, completing a medical on Thursday, March 19, in anticipation of a £30 million move.
While both clubs had reached an agreement in principle, the transfer was derailed by a fundamental dispute over when “responsibility for the player” would officially transfer from the Eredivisie leaders to the Cottagers.
According to PSV technical director Ernest Stewart, the breakdown centred on Fulham’s desire to maintain an exit clause in the event of a significant injury before the summer window.
With Pepi expected to remain in the Netherlands to finish the 2025/2026 season before moving to London, Fulham sought protections that PSV was unwilling to grant.
Stewart confirmed that while the two sides attempted to compromise on the timing of the liability transfer, they ultimately remained “too far apart” to finalize the paperwork.
The news is a significant blow for Pepi, who was reportedly eager to test himself in the Premier League after a standout campaign in Holland.
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Despite the personal disappointment of the failed move, Pepi’s form on the pitch has remained a bright spot for both club and country.
Stewart noted that Pepi returned to action immediately following the collapse, starting in PSV’s recent league fixture to ensure his rhythm remains undisturbed ahead of the international break.
“Ricardo really wanted this,” Stewart told ESPN Netherlands on Monday. “It is an unpleasant situation, especially for Ricardo. We are, of course, happy that we are retaining a good striker. That responsibility for the player was a very important detail that always played a role.”
The collapse of the deal comes at a pivotal moment for Pepi, who has been named to Mauricio Pochettino’s 27-man USMNT squad for high-profile March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta.
With 13 goals in 34 senior appearances for his country, Pepi is considered a lock for the upcoming 2026 World Cup roster, and his performance in these final tests against top-10 ranked European opposition will be critical.
While Fulham are expected to revisit their interest in the American during the summer window, Pepi’s immediate priority shifts to securing a domestic double with PSV and solidifying his starting role under Pochettino as the World Cup on home soil approaches.
Ricardo Pepi stats
The striker has enjoyed a prolific season, netting 13 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions as PSV continue to dominate the Dutch top flight.
