Gabriel Jesus. (REUTERS/Matthew Childs)
Fulham enjoyed a largely positive 2024/25 campaign, finishing 11th in the Premier League and making a run to the FA Cup quarterfinals.
For much of the season, the Cottagers looked poised for a top-half finish, catching the eye with an aggressive, high-energy style. But a drop in form down the stretch—largely due to a lack of depth—ultimately cost them.
Now, with European qualification a realistic ambition, Fulham are eyeing reinforcements across the pitch, especially on a tight budget.
One of their first targets could be a Premier League veteran. According to Football Insider, Fulham are one of several clubs interested in signing Vladimír Coufal, who’s set to become a free agent this summer after West Ham declined to renew his contract.
The Czech right-back has been a steady presence since joining the Hammers from Slavia Prague in 2020, racking up 180 appearances and playing a key role in their 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League title.
Known for his consistency, toughness, and work rate, Coufal could bring experience and quality to Fulham’s back line without costing a transfer fee.
Fulham Want Pepi
And it’s not just in defence that Fulham are looking to strengthen.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the club is also considering a summer move for Ricardo Pepi, the U.S. international striker currently at PSV Eindhoven. The 22-year-old is reportedly on Fulham’s shortlist, though Romano notes that clubs in Italy and Spain are also keeping tabs on his situation.
PSV are expected to demand over £19 million for Pepi—the same fee West Ham failed to meet in January. After scoring 11 goals in 18 league matches to help PSV win the Eredivisie title, that price tag now looks justified.
Nicknamed El Toro (“The Bull”), Pepi has earned comparisons to Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus thanks to his sharp link-up play, movement, and eye for goal. USMNT legend Landon Donovan is among his admirers: “Forget about the goalscoring. He’s competitive. He works hard. He really grinds when he plays. And then when he gets a chance in the box, he’s absolutely lethal.”
If the move happens, Pepi would become the 13th American to play for Fulham—fans will be hoping he’s more McBride and Dempsey than Eddie Johnson.
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