- Toffees links to Ricardo Pepi as David Moyes looks to strengthen squad.
- American on the rise in the Netherlands ahead of home a World Cup.
- Everton’s continued need for a great goal-scorer to head to next level.
Everton find themselves on the brink of the European places under David Moyes, but could they be planning further improvements this summer?
Only Mercato reports that the Merseyside outfit could be looking to secure a deal for PSV Eindhoven’s Ricardo Pepi.
Fulham reportedly previously led the race, after they agreed on a £31 million fee, but after the deal collapsed, it could open the door for the Blues.
The American forward has scored 10 league goals in 20 Eredivisie appearances, as he looks set to lead his country at the World Cup.
With his attacking talent and eye for a goal, it could lead to Everton making a move to bring him to the Hill Dickinson stadium.
Pepi’s rise at PSV
The 23-year-old began his career at MLS side FC Dallas, and he enjoyed a standout final season at the club, as he scored 13 times in 31 matches.
This earned him a move to German side Augsburg; however, the move didn’t work out as he failed to score a single goal for his new club, and he was quickly loaned out six months later.
A successful spell at FC Groningen, he earned a move to PSV, as the Boeren paid $9.8 million for the forward.
This is his third season at the Dutch side, and he has been a regular goalscorer, with 28 league goals across those three campaigns.
| Ricardo Pepi Eredivisie 2025/26 | Stats |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 20 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Scoring frequence (Minutes) | 101 |
| Goal conversion | 23% |
| Shots per game | 2.2 |
| Total duels won per game | 45% |
| Offsides per game | 0.6 |
Stats from Sofascore as of 25.03.26
Seen as someone who has strong decision-making and execution, he’s become a key player under Peter Bosz.
The Cottagers looked to sign him, and they agreed on a fee for Pepi, but PSV’s technical director, Ernest Steward, claims the deal is now off.
While the American forward has had some injury issues over the past two seasons, which have seen him miss 38 games, Moyes will want someone who can lead their frontline, and Pepi has shown he has the ability to do it.
Everton striker woes
‘The People’s club’ current striker options are Beto and last summer’s signing Thierno Barry.
Both strikers have scored six Premier League goals this season, and Beto scored an incredible brace in a 3-0 win over Chelsea in their last outing.
However, both have received criticism over their performances this season, and the French striker, particularly in recent weeks, following a social media post following their defeat to Arsenal.
This has been a position the Toffees have struggled with for several years now, which stretches back to Romelu Lukaku’s time at the club nearly a decade ago.
Moyes knows he needs an addition upfront that can cause problems, while also delivering the goods supplied to them by the likes of Ilian Ndiaye.
Securing Europe for the first time since 2017-18 would be a major step forward, but strengthening the squad will be key to sustaining it, and Pepi could play a major role in that.
