West Ham await positive respond after submitting £20m bid to sign prolific forward with 21-G/A this season
West Ham United have made a bold attempt to strengthen their attacking options by submitting an official bid for PSV Eindhoven’s prolific striker Ricardo Pepi, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The 22-year-old American international has been in sensational form for the Eredivisie leaders this season, netting 11 goals in the Dutch top flight—making him the second-highest scorer in the division. Across all competitions, Pepi has been directly involved in 21 goals in just 29 appearances, highlighting his sharp finishing ability and creative impact in the final third. With West Ham struggling to find a consistent goal threat this season, manager Graham Potter has turned to Pepi as a potential solution.
According to Romano, the Hammers have submitted a €25m (£20m) offer to PSV, structured as an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy in the summer. However, PSV have swiftly rejected West Ham’s approach, suggesting the Dutch club may be unwilling to part ways with their talented striker—unless a significantly higher bid is tabled.
West Ham Desperate for Goalscoring Reinforcements
West Ham’s attacking struggles have been well documented this season, despite the club investing heavily in forward options last summer. Their frontline has failed to deliver consistently, leading to a worrying goal drought.
The trio of Niclas Füllkrug, Luis Guilherme, and Crysencio Summerville have managed a combined total of just three goals in all competitions, while veteran striker Michail Antonio—who featured in 14 matches before a season-ending injury—scored only once.
As a result, West Ham find themselves with one of the weakest attacking records in the Premier League. As of Matchweek 23, no player in the squad has scored more than six league goals, and the team has accumulated just 28 goals—the joint-second lowest tally in the competition.
With these issues in mind, the club has been actively exploring several centre-forward options during the winter transfer window. Pepi, with his impressive Eredivisie track record, has now emerged as a top target for the Hammers.
Pepi’s Proven Track Record in the Netherlands
Despite his young age, Pepi has already proven himself as a consistent goal-getter in the Dutch league. His breakthrough came during a loan spell at FC Groningen, where he reached double digits in goal contributions. His performances caught the attention of PSV Eindhoven, who secured his services from Augsburg in a permanent deal.
This season, Pepi has continued his fine form, serving as an impact player for PSV. While not always a regular starter, his ability to convert chances and create openings has been a major asset for the Eredivisie giants.
What’s Next for West Ham?
With PSV turning down West Ham’s £20m offer, it remains to be seen whether the East London club will return with a significantly improved bid to test the Dutch side’s resolve. Alternatively, the Hammers could shift their focus to more affordable targets if PSV refuse to negotiate.
As the January transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, West Ham will need to make a decisive move if they hope to land a clinical finisher capable of transforming their faltering attack. Whether that striker will be Ricardo Pepi or another alternative remains to be seen.
