Everton are set to miss out on a transfer target to Fulham.
Reports earlier this month claimed that Everton had shortlisted Ricardo Pepi of PSV Eindhoven as David Moyes hunts for a new striker.
However, the Toffees are set to miss out after Fulham made a £28m bid for the United States international – a sum just below the £30m valuation, although the BBC say the Cottagers are optimistic over an agreement.
While that may upset some Everton fans, former Real Madrid and Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart believes Marco Silva is about to save The Friedkin Group from an expensive mistake.
Everton are interested in PSV striker Ricardo Pepi, would he replace Thierno Barry straight away? 👀
Rafael van der Vaart says “come on” after hearing talk of Ricardo Pepi being worth £28m
Speaking on Studio Voetbal, the Dutchman advised PSV Eindhoven to sell Pepi “immediately” with £28m on the line, claiming that the 23-year-old will never be worth that much again.
Van der Vaart said: “I’d sell him immediately for that amount. I think he’s a good striker, but he’ll never fetch that price again. So, I would sell him immediately. I think he’s a good player, but I don’t believe he’ll score many more goals. He’s not really a starter yet, so €32m (£28m), come on.”
Therefore, it may not be the wisest move for Everton to match that bid for Pepi, if The Friedkin Group are thinking about doing so.
A loan deal makes the most sense for Everton amid Thierno Barry resurgence
At this moment in time, Moyes may feel he has less of a need for a new striker compared to the start of the month.
After equalising against Leeds on Monday night, Thierno Barry has now scored four goals in his last five Premier League appearances.
How impressed were you with Thierno Barry vs Leeds United? 👏
That is a hugely impressive streak for a player who only recently turned 23 and is experiencing his first season of Premier League football, following a £27m move from Villarreal back in July 2025.
Therefore, it would make little sense for Everton to disturb Barry by spending heavily on another striker, when all Moyes really needs until the summer is a talented option on loan who can provide stronger competition for the Frenchman than Beto currently is.
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