Pepi in the spotlight: ‘PSV enquires about a striker costing millions’
1 min readPSV still keeps in mind the possibility of Ricardo Pepi leaving. The London Premier League club Fulham followed through in March, but at the same time—and not long after—it also stepped back in talks with PSV.
Nevertheless, it is expected that Pepi will be sold by PSV before the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. And until that moment, there will therefore continue to be plenty of rumors about the successor circulating. Again this weekend as well. PSV has a wish to bring in a so-called 'cannon' for the forward line. In the search for a replacement, all arrows are now aimed at George Ilenikhena. At least, that is what MediaFoot reports.
The 19-year-old striker signed with Al-Ittihad half a year ago, after being taken over from AS Monaco. According to MediaFoot, however, PSV has already informed the management of Ilenikhena to discuss a possible transfer. The Nigerian striker is meanwhile on the radar of many French clubs, such as Olympique Marseille and Olympique Lyon.
The striker position is still well filled with Myron Boadu, but his future at PSV can still be described as uncertain. According to the outlet MediaFoot, PSV has made inquiries with Ilenikhena, who has been under contract in Saudi Arabia since February. Ilenikhena hardly plays for Al-Ittihad. Ilenikhena only appeared in five matches, four of which as a substitute. It’s possible that the parties could opt for a loan.
For now, the report about the striker appears to be nothing more than a rumor. This also has to do with the hefty price tag. Royal Antwerp pocketed nearly 19 million euros from AS Monaco in the summer of 2024. After a year and a half in Monaco, the striker was sold to Al-Ittahad for 33 million euros.
Comments12
The comparison to Antwerp paying 19 million and then Al-Ittahad buying him for 33 million makes me nervous. Unless PSV can negotiate down or structure it smart, this might be another expensive transfer rumor.
Fulham taking Pepi negotiation-wise and then letting it drag is pure chaos for us. If PSV can get Ilenikhena on the right terms, great, but "millions cost" is never a small gamble.
Neutral on the name, but the scenario is clear. Pepi could go, Boadu stays for now, and PSV scouts a replacement that can score goals. Let's see if MediaFoot is right or if this is just another transfer rumor spinning up.
Fulham taking Pepi talk forward and then releasing it back to PSV just shows how messy this market is. I just hope PSV doesn't panic and overpay before the World Cup timing window.
I actually like the idea of a loan first. With Ilenikhena not featuring much, PSV could test him in our system before paying the big money.
Ilenikhena being linked with Marseille and Lyon tells me he is not some random target. A loan option could actually make sense if Al-Ittihad are trying to move him because he is barely playing.
The price tag is the whole story though. Antwerp got almost 19 million for him, then Monaco made 33 million after 1.5 years. PSV better be confident, otherwise we are walking into an expensive gamble.
Boadu is doing fine, but I get why PSV still wants a 'kanon'. If PSV already contacted Ilenikhena's people that early, it suggests they are planning properly, not just reacting to rumors.
All this talk and it still reads like MediaFoot guessing. Five games for him, four off the bench, and then suddenly we think he is the answer. Feels risky unless the wage demands are sensible.
Myron Boadu being the main option but with an uncertain future is exactly where we need a plan. If Ilenikhena is barely playing at Al-Ittihad, is he the kind of scorer we want weekly?
If Pepi really is getting sold, I like the idea of going for a real finisher. But paying big money for a striker who played only a handful of games in Saudi feels risky.
If Pepi gets sold, I get why PSV want a real "kanon" up front. Ilenikhena on paper sounds like a move, but the price tag worries me.