Crystal Palace now want to sign Ricardo Pepi – who rejected a move to Liverpool back in January 2022.
What’s the story?
Well – according to CBS Sports – Liverpool were very interested in signing the United States international.
However, Pepi chose to reject the Reds in favour of a move to Augsburg, citing their history of giving opportunities to young talent as the “main reason” behind his decision when speaking to Tutto Mercato Web.
The 20-year-old was loaned to Groningen in September after struggling to settle in Germany, with BILD now claiming that Crystal Palace are keen to give him a fresh start in the Premier League.
It is said that Augsburg are open to selling Pepi after he failed to score in 16 appearances, although the Bundesliga side want their money back before agreeing to anything – Augsburg paid €16m (£14m) for the American.
While the Texas-born striker struggled in Germany, he has shown signs of his talent with 12 goals in 26 games during his loan spell in the Netherlands this season.
BILD add that PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord are also interested in signing Pepi.
Crystal Palace could sign Ricardo Pepi if they hire Arne Slot
It is interesting to see that Feyenoord also want Pepi, as Arne Slot – Manager of the Eredivisie leaders – is said to be a leading contender to replace Roy Hodgson this summer.
The Mirror believe Crystal Palace have already made contact with the Dutchman, and are favourites to hire him ahead of Tottenham and West Ham.
If Slot does arrive in south London, he will surely want his own signings, one of which could be Pepi – seeing as those already at Selhurst Park and the 44-year-old himself are supposedly fans of the striker.
Be sure to keep an eye on the American’s situation this summer, as Augsburg seem keen to cash in.
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