Opvallende claim by Driessen: PSV'er Pepi deemed unfit, sale now doubtful

Opvallende remarks from Valentijn Driessen surfaced today, stating that PSV'er Ricardo Pepi was rejected by Fulham after the Dutch club pulled the plug on the move. The American striker, linked with a Premier League-club, saw the transfer collapse at the last moment, -verslaggever, PSV and the Engelsen were virtually set on the deal in March, but a dispute over the exact moment of the overschrijving stalled progress. Fulham wanted the transfer to commence in July to protect against a potential injury, a condition the Eindhovenaren refused. Driessen now adds that Pepi failed the medical at Craven Cottage, a fact he claims the clubs keep quiet about.

Driessen explains that the failed medical makes it difficult for PSV to sell the Amerikaan for a large sum, suggesting Pepi will likely remain at PSV. Onlangs, the Eindhovens Dagblad reported the champion club and the striker are heading into a fourth season together. He also questions whether Pepi will be an undisputed basisspeler, noting he has already had to share time with Ismael Saibari and Guus Til, and that Alassane Pléa is now fit and impressing, meaning Pepi could spend another year on the bench.

The situation leaves both clubs in limbo: Fulham lose a potential new forward, while PSV must decide how to integrate Pepi alongside Saibari, Til and the returning Pléa. Driessen predicts Pepi will stay at PSV, but his role may be limited as competition intensifies.