PSV Eindhoven technical director Ernest Stewart confirms the proposed £32 million transfer of striker Ricardo Pepi to Fulham has fallen through due to unresolved issues over the timing of player responsibility transfer.

Medical Completed but Deal Stalls

Ricardo Pepi, the USA international, traveled to London last Thursday for a medical examination after the clubs reached an agreement in principle on the fee for a summer move. He subsequently returned to PSV Eindhoven to play against Telstar over the weekend and complete the current season.

The breakdown stemmed from disagreements on finer details, particularly what would happen if the player suffered an injury during this period.

Stewart Details Negotiation Challenges

Stewart explained the timeline of discussions, noting initial talks with Fulham during the winter break just before the transfer window closed. “We were, of course, already in talks with Fulham during the winter break when they came just before the transfer window closed,” Stewart stated. “We couldn’t bring in a replacement anymore, so at that moment, the transfer couldn’t go through. But a week later we got back in talks and the process got underway.”

He emphasized the critical nature of the responsibility clause: “That responsibility for the player was a very important detail that always played a role. And while we did get a bit closer to each other in that regard, ultimately, we remained too far apart.”

Stewart added, “Ricardo really wanted this. It is an unpleasant situation, especially for Ricardo. We are, of course, happy that we are retaining a good striker.”

Future Interest Persists

Fulham maintains interest in the 23-year-old and plans to revisit the deal ahead of the summer transfer window, prior to Pepi joining the USA squad for World Cup preparations. Everton and West Ham have also expressed interest in the forward.