Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing 21-year-old American striker Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Ricardo Pepi is gaining popularity in the Premier League. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are keen on signing the 21-year-old PSV Eindhoven striker, who has likened himself to Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland.
Pepi said in 2021, “There are players like Robert (Lewandowski) and Erling Haaland I compare my game to. I like to watch their movements and do some video work on them. Lewandowski is one of the best strikers in the world and I like to compare myself to him a lot.”
Ricardo Pepi has resurrected his stuttering career since joining PSV Eindhoven from FC Augsburg in July 2023. The American striker could not hit the ground running in Germany but has been solid for the Eredivisie outfit. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a solid 2024/25 season thus far, amassing ten goals and one assist in 17 appearances. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has piqued the attention of high-profile clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
A man in demand
Chelsea can do with a striker like the USMNT international. The Blues were keen on signing Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window before the move failed to see the light of day. Since then, several strikers have emerged on Chelsea’s radar, with the PSV Eindhoven star a viable target.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s interest in Ricardo Pepi is understandable. The Reds are scouring the market for a striker amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Darwin Nunez. In addition, with Salah approaching the end of his contract, Liverpool might need a new prolific attacker. So, Pepi is an option worth considering.
As for Manchester United, Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to make his mark since arriving from Bologna in the summer transfer window. A winter departure might be on the cards for the Dutch attacker amid his links with Juventus. So, Pepi is a viable target for Manchester United if Zirkzee departs from Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United will face stiff competition from Manchester City. Pep Guardiola wants an alternative to Erling Haaland after choosing not to sign a replacement for Julian Alvarez in the summer transfer window.
