Former PSV Eindhoven striker Rene Viscaal has cautioned Fulham over their pursuit of American striker Ricardo Pepi.
Ricardo Pepi has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time now. Fulham are one of the clubs that are very keen on his signature and have been tracking him for months.
While the Cottagers are looking to step up their pursuit of the USMNT international, Former PSV Eindhoven striker Rene Viscaal has issued a warning to the English club. He feels Pepi’s transition to the Premier League could be far from straightforward. The 23-year-old might not be able to replicate his Eredivisie performances in the English top flight.
Viscaal on Ricardo Pepi’s strength as a forward
Viscaal spoke very highly of the young striker on Eindhovens Dagblad. He highlighted his biggest strength: the instinctive movements that help him be at the right place at the right moment.
He said, “What Pepi does is very difficult to train. He has the gift that real strikers need. Getting into position in exactly the right way in or around the penalty area is something you naturally have to possess.”
Viscaal understands why Fulham are keen on signing Ricardo Pepi and have already made multiple attempts to sign him in the past. They were keen on his signature last summer and even revived their interest during the winter window. But PSV turned down the London club’s late move in January.
The Cottagers are now set to return for his signature this summer. They are ready to step up their pursuit of the young striker who has 13 goals and two assists in his 27 outings this term. While he has had a few injury issues this season, it has hardly affected his performances on the pitch.
Pepi’s move to Fulham might not work out
Fulham, who are desperate for attacking reinforcement, consider Ricardo Pepi an ideal fit for their setup, but Viscaal feels he might struggle to adapt to the Premier League. He believes the 23-year-old might not be able to replicate his Eredivisie form in England.
He said, “In the Netherlands, the game is played quite openly, and he can benefit from that. In England, you have to deal with a completely different intensity, and defenders are physically much stronger. Whether he can handle that remains to be seen.”
While he wants Fulham to be cautious, Viscaal feels the move could still work out if handled correctly. He feels the move will only work if the expectations are realistic.
He further added, “Fulham is not a club that plays at the absolute top level. Such a route is perhaps more logical than a move to a very big name, where you are immediately called into question if you don’t score a few times.”
Given the kind of potential the 23-year-old striker has, it might be worth the risk to bring him to the Premier League. While adaptation to the Premier League won’t be easy, Pepi will surely be eager to test himself in one of the best leagues in the world.