PSV Eindhoven has made a furious comeback from the winter break, thanks in part to Paul Wanner. But Ricardo Pepi’s injury is a heavy blow for the champions – possibly also financially.
The transfer rumors surrounding Ricardo Pepi have been put to rest in one fell swoop. The former Augsburg player scored again for PSV Eindhoven in his first appearance after the winter break, but broke his forearm in the process and will be out for around two months, according to the club.
Numerous clubs wanted to sign the 23-year-old World Cup hopeful for the US national team this January, despite a contract that runs until 2030. According to The Athletic, PSV officials have already rejected an offer of around €30 million from Fulham FC. If they were hoping for more money, they will have to bury that hope, at least for this winter. FC Augsburg, which had secured a 20 percent resale share in the 2023 transfer, will also come away empty-handed for the time being. After Sunday’s surgery, Pepi will first have to undergo rehabilitation.
Bosz struggles and leaves transfer plans open
Whether PSV will still sign a new striker due to the long-term absence was left open by coach Peter Bosz on Sunday after the 5-1 home win against Excelsior Rotterdam. “We have to find a solution,” he said, lamenting Pepi’s bad luck: “Ricardo was already out in January last year due to his knee injury. This time it won’t take as long, but unfortunately we have to do without him again. Pepi was in good form, had a strong training camp behind him, was back in full swing and in a good flow. All signs were pointing to a strong second half of the season, so it’s a real shame. Especially for him and, of course, for us.”
In the 23rd minute, Pepi only had to tap in a low cross from Guus Til to make it 2-0, but he fell awkwardly on his arm, immediately remained on the ground in pain and was substituted after receiving treatment. The goal was his eighth in 15 league appearances, and he has now scored in five Eredivisie games in a row.
Wanner breaks his spell
Paul Wanner opened the scoring for PSV in what was a one-sided affair. In an attack down the right, the summer signing from FC Bayern, unmarked at the edge of the box, successfully challenged Dennis Man for the ball and confidently slotted it into the corner with his first touch (8th minute). It was a dream start to the new year for Eindhoven’s number 10, who has struggled in his new surroundings so far. Wanner, who turned 20 on December 23, scored for the first time for coach Bosz’s team, who had only started him for the fifth time.
With this victory, PSV took the next step towards defending their title, which is now virtually assured. Even if their closest rivals Feyenoord also win their away game in Heerenveen this Sunday afternoon, PSV will still have an eleven-point lead at the top of the table.