“We can’t compete” – Fulham’s €40 million move raises alarm

fulham

Fulham’s pursuit of Ricardo Pepi is sending shockwaves not just in the Premier League, but across European football.

In the Netherlands, Ronald de Boer has reacted with open disbelief. PSV Eindhoven are preparing to sell the American striker in a deal that could reach €40m including bonuses.

Reports indicate that Fulham have now agreed a deal with PSV Eindhoven For striker. The breakthrough came after months of negotiations, including a failed attempt during the January transfer window.

A deal was blocked by the Dutch side at the time, but negotiations have continued behind the scenes since then. Now Pepi looks ready for his big-money move. For the former Dutch international, the fee is about more than money, it is a symbol of the growing financial gap.

league games 2025/26
appearances19
started10
minutes per game50
total minutes played843
Target10

“We can no longer compete”

“Fulham, right? About €40m,” He said on Ziggo Sport, Relayed by PSV Inside.

“Fulham can already sign strikers for that kind of money. We can’t compete with that anymore. It’s unbelievable.”

Premier League spending leaves Europe behind

The disappointment reflects a wider reality: the financial power of the Premier League is widening the gap between other leagues to extremes.

Even clubs outside England’s traditional elite can now overtake major European teams without blinking.

This season alone, nine of the ten biggest spending clubs in Europe come from the Premier League. That group also includes Nottingham Forest, as well as newly promoted Sunderland.

They are ahead of traditional European giants like AC Milan, Real Madrid and Juventus. In fact, 12 of the top 20 spending clubs in Europe come from the Premier League. Even Wolves, facing relegation, are among Europe’s biggest spenders.

“Look, Fulham are doing well,” De Boer added. “But we’re talking about Fulham. They can also pay huge sums these days.”

Why do players still want the Premier League?

Kouhaib Driuch, Ricardo Pepi
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – 21 OCTOBER: PSV’s Ryan Flamingo, Kouhaib Driouch, Dennis Man Ricardo Pepi during the UEFA Champions League league stage MD3 match between PSV and SSC Napoli

Despite his concerns, De Boer understands exactly why Pepi is tempted. The Premier League remains the ultimate destination, the league where careers accelerate and salaries rise.

“The Premier League is still the best league in the world. They can do whatever they want,” He concluded.

Now Fulham have matched their ambition with some big spending of their own. The same question is being asked across Europe: how does one compete with the Premier League?

If such deals become the norm, future transfer windows could only deepen the divide, with even Europe’s biggest clubs struggling to keep pace with mid-table Premier League spending.


#compete #Fulhams #million #move #raises #alarm

Fulham’s interest in Valentino Lazzaro is causing panic – make transfer run

Valentino Lazzaro
Turin, Piedmont, Italy, 1 February 2026. Lega Calcio Serie A Season 2025-2026, Torino FC vs US Lecce, Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. Valentino Lazzaro of Torino FC during the match.

Valentino Lazzaro is undergoing a resurgence of sorts at Torino. The wing-back has now emerged as a potential target for Fulham.

The Austrian first attracted attention when he joined Inter Milan from Hertha Berlin in 2019. He was largely unsuccessful and was then loaned out to Newcastle United, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Benfica.

From 2022 – Initially on loan, Lazzaro has found a home at Torino. He has played 126 times in all competitions and assisted 17 times.

His contract in Turin expires in the summer and he is attracting the attention of Fulham.

Fulham interest is troubling Torino

IT migration market Reports on the 29-year-old have made it clear that Lazaro is of interest to several clubs. One of them is Fulham, who is also being chased by AS Monaco.

The versatile wing-back has made quite an impact in Turin. Club owners Urbano Cairo value his skills and contributions. Il Toro believes that Lazzaro can deliver a few more seasons at the highest level.

Cairo is keen to tie the Austrians to a new deal but time may be running out. Fears regarding free transfers are increasing.

Interest from Fulham and Monaco is a matter of concern, especially if the right-footed player is interested in returning to England.

Lazaro could provide utility to Silva’s side

Throughout his career, Lazzaro has played a variety of roles at right back. This season, he has played not only on the right wing-back but also on the left wing-back.

Previously, he has also operated as a winger or full-back, which suggests he could be a useful option for Fulham.

A player like him adds value to the team, especially if he joins on a free transfer.

#Fulhams #interest #Valentino #Lazzaro #causing #panic #transfer #run

Fulham’s interest in Valentino Lazzaro is causing panic – make transfer run

Valentino Lazzaro
Turin, Piedmont, Italy, 1 February 2026. Lega Calcio Serie A Season 2025-2026, Torino FC vs US Lecce, Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. Valentino Lazzaro of Torino FC during the match.

Valentino Lazzaro is undergoing a resurgence of sorts at Torino. The wing-back has now emerged as a potential target for Fulham.

The Austrian first attracted attention when he joined Inter Milan from Hertha Berlin in 2019. He was largely unsuccessful and was then loaned out to Newcastle United, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Benfica.

From 2022 – Initially on loan, Lazzaro has found a home at Torino. He has played 126 times in all competitions and assisted 17 times.

His contract in Turin expires in the summer and he is attracting the attention of Fulham.

Fulham interest is troubling Torino

IT migration market Reports on the 29-year-old have made it clear that Lazaro is of interest to several clubs. One of them is Fulham, who is also being chased by AS Monaco.

The versatile wing-back has made quite an impact in Turin. Club owners Urbano Cairo value his skills and contributions. Il Toro believes that Lazzaro can deliver a few more seasons at the highest level.

Cairo is keen to tie the Austrians to a new deal but time may be running out. Fears regarding free transfers are increasing.

Interest from Fulham and Monaco is a matter of concern, especially if the right-footed player is interested in returning to England.

Lazaro could provide utility for Silva’s side

Throughout his career, Lazzaro has played a variety of roles at right back. This season, he has played not only on the right wing-back but also on the left wing-back.

Previously, he has also operated as a winger or full-back, which suggests he could be a useful option for Fulham.

A player like him adds value to the team, especially if he joins on a free transfer.

#Fulhams #interest #Valentino #Lazzaro #causing #panic #transfer #run