Ricardo Pepi transfer: West Ham United ‘surprise’ emerges – ExWHUEmployee
West Ham United’s offer for Ricardo Pepi came as a surprise to a number of people at the London Stadium, according to ExWHUEmployee.
The Hammers insider reports via The West Ham Way [30 January] that while him being on the list of potential transfer targets, a bid was not expected to be made for the PSV Eindhoven star.
This comes after news of a £20.9million bid being offered for the 22-year-old USA international, as per Fabrizio Romano, to sign the player on loan with an obligation to buy.
“Ricardo Pepi we believe did feature on a long list of potential alternatives to Ferguson. The move has came as a surprise to a number of people in the club,” he said.
“Whilst it was thought he was on a potential target list, an offer wasn’t expected to be made. It could be that the club have decided to test the water or it could merely be agent talk. We are waiting for further confirmation from the club.”
West Ham insiders surprised by Ricardo Pepi offer
With 25 goals in 68 appearances since signing for PSV on a permanent deal in July 2023, it is no wonder why the Hammers are interested in Pepi’s signature.
However, with the young striker’s only recent exposure outside of the Eredivisie coming in the Champions League, his three goals and two assists in 15 appearances may not be enough to convince some in East London.
The likes of Jhon Duran, Evan Ferguson and Andre Silva have all been linked with a move to the London Stadium, all of whom have far more experience than the 22-year-old forward.
Whoever comes through the doors in East London, Graham Potter will be desperate for David Sullivan to sanction the signing of a new striker before the transfer window slams shut on 3 February.
With Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio sidelined, and Danny Ings clearly not first choice under the new manager, the Hammers must invest in a new forward if they are to have any success this season.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have made contact to sign an international striker who’s scored 15 goals in 18 games this season.
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