Friday Fulham Stuff - 20/03/26...

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Why PSV cashed in on Ricardo Pepi early as Fulham strike ahead of the window
PSV Eindhoven's decision to sell Ricardo Pepi to Fulham this week was a calculated move and one they had planned well in advance.

According to Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad, via Soccer News, PSV deliberately approved the deal early as part of a long-standing policy designed to lock in guaranteed income before the window opens.

Elfrink explains that this approach previously funded signings such as Noa Lang, and even Pepi himself, after the lucrative exits of Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke.

The four reasons PSV accepted Fulham's offer now
Elfrink outlines four clear reasons why PSV were willing to strike a deal with Fulham immediately:

    PSV wanted the money early to build their squad

PSV prefer to have their transfer budget secured before the window opens, allowing them to move decisively and early in the market.

    The club now has financial certainty

With the Pepi fee locked in, PSV can plan their summer with clarity rather than waiting for the World Cup to dictate his value.

    Pepi scores goals but doesn't fully fit PSV's build-up demands

Elfrink notes that while Pepi is an excellent finisher, PSV believe his off-ball and possession work does not fully align with their long-term tactical model.


    Pepi himself pushed for the move

The striker wanted to move to London and PSV were willing to respect that preference once Fulham met their valuation.

Why some analysts think PSV sold too soon
However, PSV's decision has sparked debate within the Netherlands. On ESPN, Mario Been called the move "striking". He argues that PSV could have earned more by waiting.

"If he ha a good World Cup, the amount might even go higher," he said.

Hedwiges Maduro, meanwhile, questioned Fulham's spending power rather than PSV's decision:

"Forty million, for Fulham... And they just take all those players away from the Netherlands," he added.

He's not the first to do so either. Indeed, there's a growing concern in the Netherlands at the ever-expanding difference in spending power.

What Ricardo Pepi's move means for Fulham
Regardless of the debate, Fulham have their striker.  Reports today have stated he's flown to London for a medical before sealing his exit from PSV.

He arrives after 39 goals in 95 games for the Dutch side to date, looking to replicate that form at Craven Cottage. Fulham need a striker too, with Rodrigo Muniz and Raúl Jiménez not regular goalscorers this season. Harry Wilson is their current top goalscorer on eight.

League Games 2025/26

Appearances	19
Started	10
Minutes per game	50
Total minutes played	843
Goals	10

https://sportwitness.co.uk/why-psv-cashed-in-on-ricardo-pepi-early-as-fulham-strike-ahead-of-the-window/

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Why Everton appear to have moved a step closer to signing Fulham's Raul Jimenez
Everton are expected to sign a striker this summer transfer window.

David Moyes was keen to bring in a centre-forward in January, but his plans pivoted when Jack Grealish suffered a season-ending injury.

Everton have been drawing up a list of striking targets, with Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth thought to be on Moyes' radar.

Fulham's Raul Jimenez has also been linked to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and it seems the Toffees may have moved a step closer to landing his signature.

Fulham sign Ricardo Pepi as potential Raul Jimenez replacement
Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Ricardo Pepi from PSV, shelling out around £31m on his signature.

Pepi was in London yesterday for his medical, with the American striker due to join the Cottagers in the summer.

It seems the 23-year-old is Jimenez's replacement, as the Everton target is out of contract at the end of the season.

Although, according to SportsBoom, Fulham are keen to extend Jimenez's contract by another year.

However, the 34-year-old probably won't want to be a backup to Pepi at this stage of his career; he'll want to play regular football.

So, the Toffees could be a really attractive destination for him, and it'd be a completely risk-free signing for Moyes.

Jimenez, who has netted nine goals whilst laying on three assists this term, will become a free agent from the 30th of June.

The 123-cap international would be a fantastic striker for Thierno Barry to learn from, if indeed the club decide to stick with the Frenchman and continue to develop him.

Everton fans feel Barry should be sold in the summer, with many convinced he will never be up to the required level.

Beto could also be moved on, having had interest from Turkey and Spain in the winter transfer window.



https://www.everton.news/why-everton-appear-to-have-moved-a-step-closer-to-signing-fulhams-raul-jimenez/

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Tudor charged over 'home referee' claim
Interim Tottenham manager Igor Tudor has been charged with misconduct over his claim that referee Thomas Bramall favoured the "home team" in Spurs' 2-1 Premier League loss at Fulham.

Tudor hit out after his relegation-threatened side were beaten on 1 March, saying Bramall "doesn't understand football".

The Croat had been angered by the Cottagers' first goal, which he believed happened because of a push by Raul Jimenez on Radu Dragusin before Harry Wilson put the ball into the net.

Speaking to the BBC after the match, Tudor said: "I didn't like the referee today, too much of a home team referee. I didn't feel well with him.

"All the decisions were on their side. He doesn't understand football, the feeling of what is wrong and what is right.

"He [Jimenez] was not thinking about the ball, he was thinking how to cheat, he cheated the player, was pushing, it was cheating and it's a foul. Ninety-nine of 100 people will say it's a foul, it's so obvious."

The Football Association said Tudor "allegedly acted in an improper manner during a post-match interview by making comments that imply bias and/or question integrity and/or are personally offensive in relation to a match official".

Spurs and the 47-year-old have until Monday to reply to the charge.

The game was Tudor's second in charge, following the sacking of Thomas Frank, and extended the club's winless league run to 10 games.

Wilson's goal, which was allowed to stand following a check from the video assistant referee Craig Pawson, came after Spurs had a similar effort ruled out the week before in their 4-1 loss to Arsenal for a foul by Randal Kolo Muani on Gunners defender Gabriel.

Two further defeats, including a calamitous 5-2 Champions League loss at Atletico Madrid, led to speculation Tudor could be replaced after less than a month at the helm.

With eight league games of the season remaining, the north London club sit 16th - one point above the relegation zone.

Having been in the top flight of English football since one campaign in the old Second Division in 1977-78, it has been estimated a drop into the Championship could cost them more than £250m.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9qdglrv05lo

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Transfer news: Fulham close in on £28.5m swoop for Sunderland-linked striker
Sunderland were credited with an interest in Ricardo Pepi during the January transfer window

Fulham are closing in on a £28.5 million deal to sign Sunderland-linked striker Ricardo Pepi, according to reports.

The Black Cats were credited with an interest in the PSV Eindhoven star during the January transfer window, but the speculation ultimately failed to come to fruition, and instead, it would appear that their Premier League rivals have pushed ahead with an agreement.

As per BBC Sport, Pepi is set for a medical at Craven Cottage, and arrived in London on Wednesday to iron out the final details of his move to England. Fulham had made a similar attempt to sign the 23-year-old in January, but failed to prise him away from PSV after his current employers decided that they wanted to keep him for the remainder of the season.

The Cottagers now look to be on the cusp of finalising a transfer for Pepi, however, with the player expected to put pen to paper on a deal in the capital that will run until 2031. Marco Silva's men are understood to be in the market for reinforcements at the point of attack, with experienced striker Raul Jimenez - who has scored twice against Sunderland this season - out of contract in the coming months.

For his part, Pepi, a 34-cap USA international, has scored 13 goals in 29 club appearances this season, including three in five Champions League matches. He is expected to feature prominently at this summer's North American World Cup too.

Earlier this year, both Fulham and Sunderland were touted as admirers of the forward, alongside fellow Premier League sides, Everton, Leeds United, and West Ham. It has long since been suggested that Pepi himself was open to the prospect of a transfer to England.

Why have PSV Eindhoven chosen to sell Ricardo Pepi to Fulham now?
In terms of the reasoning behind PSV's sale, Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad, as relayed by Soccer News, has identified four key factors. Firstly, it is claimed that the Eredivisie side wanted to cash in early to ensure that they had funds secured to reinforce their own squad as soon as the transfer market reopens.

Similarly, it is claimed that with the Pepi fee banked, PSV can plan their summer with clarity. Interestingly, Elfrink has also stated that while the American's goal-scoring credentials are in no doubt, PSV believe other aspects of his all-round game, including his work off the ball, do not fully align with their long-term tactical model anymore.

And finally, as alluded to previously, there is an understanding that the player himself has pushed for an exit, and was particularly keen on the prospect of moving to London. As such, once Fulham met PSV's valuation, the Dutch outfit were happy to respect his wishes.



https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/transfer-news-fulham-sunderland-ricardo-pepi-6033516

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Ricardo Pepi to Fulham: The numbers behind the smart €35m Premier League bet
Fulham are closing in on a €35m deal to sign PSV striker Ricardo Pepi, a move that would make the 23-year-old one of the most expensive signings in the club's history.

For a team that has struggled badly for goals and is effectively paying almost double his Estimated Transfer Value to get him, the data suggests this bet on Pepi's finishing and fit could be a smart one for both player and club.

Sky Sports reports the one of the smartest deals of the summer is close to being completed. Here's why it promises so much.

'A goal scorer who always scores'
Pepi's scoring rate this season has been formidable. Despite not being an automatic pick for PSV – something he went on the record to complain about as early as November 2024 – he has found the net 13 times in the Eredivisie and Champions League, once every 83 minutes on average.

By contrast, Fulham have struggled for goals. Harry Wilson is their leading marksman with 10 across all competitions while Raul Jimenez is one back having played 39 times. Though a scorer of 67 Premier League goals in his career, at 34, his time at this level is drawing to an end.

The Cottagers' other options are Rodrigo Muniz (one goal in 17 appearances) and Jonah Kusi-Asare, who has played only 103 minutes and has yet to get off the mark.

This explains Fulham's motivation to pay almost exactly twice Pepi's Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €18.2m to get the deal done early.

The USMNT star comes with a glowing report from PSV, meanwhile.

"He has a very important quality for a striker: he can score goals. That's really a specialty of his. He has an incredibly hard shot with a lot of precision, with which he can score. He is a goal scorer who always scores. Every club is looking for that," head coach Peter Bosz said.

Fulham a perfect step for Pepi
Pepi has made a smart move by moving to Fulham. The Premier League club is a dream fit for the American forward, according to data analytics firm SciSports, which loves the chances of this deal being good for both the player and the club.

Fulham get a Club Fit score of 81 from the experts, which is based on a variety of factors, including development opportunities, pitch time, playing style and formation.

Marco Silva's side, which is one of the most stable in the whole of the Premier League, score perfectly in terms of style and formation, and though only rated two stars for playing time, in reality Pepi is liable to get more opportunities than this suggests.



Expert opinion: Pepi deadly close to goal
FootballTransfers Eredivisie expert Willem Leigraf said of the deal: "Despite his injury history, resulting in him being ruled out for six months last season and two months this season, Pepi has managed to make a great impact in the Eredivisie for PSV. His stats this season are way above the average Eredivisie centre-forward.

"Where it's noticeable how good Pepi is with the ball and close to the goal, with 1.89 shots on target per 90 minutes and a scoring average of a goal per 90 minutes."



https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/tag/newsnow-features-only/ricardo-pepi-to-fulham-the-numbers-behind-the-smart-eur35m-premier-league-bet

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Calvin Bassey predicts Fulham's European chances ahead of crucial Burnley clash
Calvin Bassey believes Fulham still have a real chance of qualifying for Europe this season, despite a recent dip in form, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles defender has called on his team-mates to stay focused and united as they chase what would be a historic achievement for the club.

Fulham are currently 11th in the Premier League table, but the gap between them and the European places is very small. Just four points separate them from seventh position, which could be enough to secure a place in next season's UEFA Europa Conference League.

Several teams, including Brentford, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Everton, are also chasing that same target, making the race very tight.

Even though Fulham have not won any of their last three matches in all competitions, including a disappointing FA Cup exit to Southampton, Bassey remains positive about their chances.

    "If you look at the last two or three seasons, we've been in and around it, and then the last four or five games it's sort of got away from us, [but] we're right there now," he said as per BeinSports.

    "We've got eight games left, and I feel like we can really push and achieve it. We're four points behind seventh, so it's all very close, that's why each game and point matters.

    "We feel like we're so close to our goal. The atmosphere in the changing room is excitement, because we know we've got a chance to do something amazing, achieve something great, so we're just taking each game as it is."

Fulham vs Burnley: Match preview and key stats
Fulham will hope to turn that belief into results when they welcome Burnley to Craven Cottage on Saturday. It is a very important match for both teams, but for very different reasons.

While Fulham are chasing a place in Europe, Burnley are fighting to stay in the Premier League. Their situation is much more difficult. According to Opta's supercomputer, they have just a 0.4% chance of avoiding relegation.

Burnley showed some fight in their last game, holding Bournemouth to a 0-0 draw. That match was full of chances, with 37 shots taken in total, but neither side could score.

Looking at past meetings, Fulham will feel confident against Burnley. They won the reverse fixture 3-2 in December and are now aiming to complete a league double over Burnley for the first time since the 1950-51 season.

They also have a strong recent record against newly promoted teams, losing just once in their last 14 such games. However, there are warning signs. Fulham have failed to score in their last two league matches, losing 1-0 to West Ham United and drawing 0-0 with Nottingham Forest.

Burnley, on the other hand, have surprisingly done well in recent visits to Fulham, winning three of their last four away games at Craven Cottage. They have won their last two there by a 2-0 scoreline.

Still, their overall form is poor. Burnley have won just one of their last 21 Premier League matches. They also struggle defensively away from home, keeping only one clean sheet in their last 41 away league games and conceding in each of their last 25.

All of this sets up an interesting contest. Fulham have the better position and stronger motivation to push for Europe, but Burnley are desperate and fighting for survival. With so much at stake, every moment in this match could be crucial.



https://soccernet.ng/2026/03/calvin-bassey-fulham-europa-epl-burnley.html

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Preview: Fulham vs Burnley - prediction, team news, lineups
Still harbouring aspirations of qualifying for Europe, Fulham welcome relegation-threatened Burnley to Craven Cottage for a Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.

Marco Silva's side will endeavour to complete their first league double over the Clarets since 1950-51 after securing a 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture at Turf Moor in December.

Match preview

After finishing 11th in the Premier League table last season, Fulham find themselves in the exact same position after 30 games this term, with 41 points notched up after recording 12 wins, a division-low five draws, and 13 defeats.

The Cottagers are looking to end a three-match winless run in all competitions. After back-to-back 1-0 home defeats to West Ham and Southampton (FA Cup), they played out a goalless stalemate with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last weekend, registering just one shot on target from six attempts.

Fulham have recently lost their clinical in front of goal and Marco Silva's side last went three Premier League matches without a goal in December 2023, a run which included a 2-0 home defeat to this weekend's opponents Burnley.

The West London club should take comfort from having lost only one of their last 14 Premier League encounters with promoted sides (W8 D5), suffering a 1-0 defeat at Leeds in January, while they have accumulated just over 63% of their top-flight points at Craven Cottage this season (26/41).

However, Fulham have only won one of their last five home meetings with Burnley in all competitions, losing each of their last three by an aggregate score of 7-0 since their 4-2 Premier League victory in August 2018.

Since claiming an important 3-2 Premier League victory at Crystal Palace in mid-February, Burnley have failed to win any of their last five matches in all competitions, exiting the FA Cup fifth round to third-tier side Mansfield before recording two draws and two defeats in the top flight.

The Clarets can take positives from holding top-10 sides Chelsea and Bournemouth to draws, playing out a goalless stalemate with the Cherries at Turf Moor last weekend, but Scott Parker's side are desperate for victories in their quest to pull off the great escape.

With just eight games remaining, Burnley remain 19th in the Premier League and sit eight points adrift of safety. Four of the Clarets' next five fixtures are against teams currently in the bottom half of the table and failure to capitalise on this run could seal their fate.

A run of three away wins in their last four league visits to Fulham bodes well ahead of Saturday's contest, while four of their 10 points collected across the last 21 Premier League games have come away against London clubs (three at Palace, one at Chelsea).

Burnley's defensive record on the road leaves a lot to be desired, though, as they have kept only one clean sheet in their last 41 Premier League away matches, conceding in each of their last 25 since the aforementioned 2-0 victory at Fulham over two years ago.

Fulham Premier League form:

    L    L    W    W    L    D

Fulham form (all competitions):

    W    W    W    L    L    L

Burnley Premier League form:

    L    W    D    L    L    D

Burnley form (all competitions):

    W    L    D    L    L    D

Team News

Fulham winger Kevin is sidelined long term after undergoing surgery on a foot injury earlier this month, while Emile Smith Rowe (knock) will be assessed after missing the draw with Bournemouth last time out.

If fit, Smith Rowe could battle with Joshua King for a start in the number 10 role behind striker Raul Jimenez who has failed to score in any of his last three appearances against Burnley having previously netted three goals in his first four meetings during his time at Wolves.

Star attacker Harry Wilson - Fulham's top scorer in the PL this term with nine goals - scored and provided two assists in the 3-2 victory at Burnley in December, and the Welshman is expected to continue on the right wing on Saturday, while January signing Oscar Bobb will hope to fend off competition from Samuel Chukwueze for a place on the left flank.

As for Burnley, Josh Cullen, Zeki Amdouni (both knee), Axel Tuanzebe, Connor Roberts (both Achilles) and Jordan Beyer (hamstring) all remain sidelined with injuries, while Saturday's game may come too soon for Mike Tresor (ankle), even though he has returned to training.

Maxime Esteve will be assessed after illness prevented him from finishing the game against Bournemouth last time out. If fit, the defender would be expected to start alongside Josh Laurent and Bashir Humphreys in the back three.

Midfield duo Lesley Ugochukwu and Florentino Luis will both be looking to force their way back into the first XI at the expense of James Ward-Prowse and Hannibal Mejbi, while Zian Flemming and Jaidon Anthony - who have scored a team-high seven PL goals this term - are set to continue in attack.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Iwobi; Wilson, King, Bobb; Jimenez

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Dubravka; Humphreys, Laurent, Esteve; Walker, Ugochukwu, Hannibal, Hartman; Anthony, Foster; Flemming



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/relegation-battle/preview/fulham-vs-burnley-prediction-team-news-lineups_594126.html

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Fulham lineup vs. Burnley: Predicted XI for Premier League clash
Fulham will be without at least one player for Saturday's Premier League clash with Burnley at Craven Cottage.

Brazilian winger Kevin underwent surgery on a foot injury earlier this month and he is likely to miss the rest of the season, while Emile Smith Rowe (knock) is a minor doubt after missing the 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Joshua King has started the last two league games in the number 10 role and the teenage starlet could continue in the same position, while Raul Jimenez is expected to get the nod to start again up front, with Rodrigo Muniz providing cover as a substitute.

Harry Wilson contributed to all three goals (one goal, two assists) in Fulham's 3-2 win at Burnley in the reverse fixture in December, and the Welsh winger is likely to keep his starting spot on the right flank, as January recruit Oscar Bobb battles with Samuel Chukwueze for a place on the left wing.

Alex Iwobi and ex-Burnley man Sander Berge are the most likely duo to begin in centre-midfield, but Sasa Lukic, Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed are all available if head coach Marco Silva decides to freshen up his team in the middle of the pitch.

A back four of Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey and Antonee Robinson is expected to remain intact, protecting goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Fulham possible starting lineup: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Iwobi; Wilson, King, Bobb; Jimenez



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/predicted-lineups/wilson-to-start-smith-rowe-decision-predicted-fulham-lineup-vs-burnley_594127.html

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Fulham Win Race For £28.5m Sunderland Target: Did The Black Cats Dodge A Bullet?
Fulham have beaten the competition to sign PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi. The West London club are finalising a £28.5 million agreement. Reports from BBC Sport confirm that the 23-year-old forward arrived in London on Wednesday. He is undergoing his medical at Craven Cottage today. This move caps off a long-term chase by the Premier League side.

Fulham Clinch Deal for American Marksman Ricardo Pepi
Sunderland emerged as a contender for the talented American earlier in the year. However, the Black Cats ended up watching from the sidelines. Fulham made a quick decision to find a replacement for their ageing attacking options. Marco Silva tried to bring the striker back to England in January, but PSV blocked the move to keep their squad together for the title race.

The Texas-born attacker is now ready to sign a long-term deal. The contract should keep him in London until 2031. This signing fills a clear hole in the Fulham frontline. Raul Jimenez will see his current contract run out at the end of this season.

Pepi arrives at the Thames with a great track record. He has racked up 13 goals in 29 appearances this season. That includes a solid run of three goals in five Champions League matches. On top of that, Pepi is a key player for the USA national team with 34 caps. He expects to lead the line in the upcoming summer World Cup on home soil. His arrival shows that Fulham means business. They moved faster than rivals like Everton and Leeds United to grab one of the sharpest young finishers in Europe.

Did Sunderland Dodge A Bullet?
Sunderland fans might feel a bit frustrated seeing Pepi in London for a medical today. Still, the huge money gap between the North East and the top flight is a tough reality. The Black Cats were definitely interested over the winter. However, a £28.5 million price tag is usually too risky for a club still trying to stay in the top tier.

The timing of this March 2026 deal points to a smart strategy. Fulham want to get the paperwork done before the World Cup makes his price jump even higher. Sunderland just can't match that kind of aggressive spending. They also don't know for sure which league they will be playing in next year.

My honest take? Sunderland probably dodged a bullet given the massive pressure of that fee. They still missed out on a top-tier talent for the USMNT, but it was a lot of money to risk. The club need to stick to growing through their scouting network. They shouldn't be chasing players who are already worth £30 million.



https://the4thofficial.net/2026/03/fulham-win-race-for-28-5m-sunderland-target-did-the-black-cats-dodge-a-bullet/