EVERTON READY TO SMASH TRANSFER RECORD FOR “INSANELY PROLIFIC” GOAL MACHINE WHO’S ALREADY HUMILIATED RIVALS BY REJECTING THEIR DESPERATE BID – YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
Everton are one of several clubs monitoring PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi ahead of the January transfer window, with TEAMtalk reporting that Fulham have already seen an opening bid rejected by the Dutch champions.
The Toffees have enjoyed a largely positive campaign under David Moyes in their first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
After 19 Premier League matches, Everton sit eighth in the table with 28 points, putting them firmly in the mix for a strong top-half finish.
However, despite their solid league position, goals have been a clear concern.
Everton have found the net just 20 times so far this season, one of the lowest tallies among teams in the top half.
With that in mind, the Friedkin Group are prepared to back Moyes in the January window as they look to add more firepower for the second half of the campaign.
Pepi has emerged as a leading target. The 22-year-old has been described as “incredibly prolific” across his career and has continued that trend in the Netherlands.
This season alone, he has scored ten goals for PSV across Eredivisie and Champions League action, form that has not gone unnoticed across Europe.
Fulham have already tested PSV’s resolve with a £26.2m offer, but that proposal was swiftly turned down.
Despite the rejection, Pepi is believed to be open to a Premier League move should an agreement be reached between clubs, which has alerted others, including Everton, to a potential opportunity.
Everton are continuing to track the situation closely as they assess ways to improve their attacking options.
Summer arrival Thierno Barry has struggled to make the desired impact following his expensive switch from Villarreal, managing just two goals in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Beto has slipped down the pecking order under Moyes and has scored only once in the league this term.
With neither forward providing consistent output, Everton see Pepi as a potential long-term solution and a player who could elevate their attacking play.
That said, Fulham’s failed bid suggests PSV will demand a significant fee, making any deal a costly one.
Pepi’s record underlines why interest is growing. He scored 27 goals in 71 appearances in his native United States after breaking into senior football at just 15.
Although a difficult spell followed at Augsburg, he rebuilt his confidence with 13 goals in 31 games at Groningen before flourishing at PSV, where he now boasts 36 goals in 89 outings.
His sharp finishing and intelligent movement would represent a clear upgrade on Everton’s current options.
Pepi’s style could also dovetail effectively with creative players such as Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye, who thrive when linking with a mobile, decisive striker.
If Everton can negotiate a deal at the right price, Pepi could prove to be a transformative addition and a statement signing for Moyes during the January transfer window.
