Liverpool were convincingly beaten by PSV Eindhoven in their final UEFA Champions League league phase match, with Ricardo Pepi on the scoresheet for the hosts.
The USA international has been in fine form for the reigning Eredivisie champions with Pepi’s form attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool this season, with a big summer move looking likely for the Texas-born striker.
With Darwin Nunez tipped to leave Liverpool in the off-season, the former FC Dallas superstar would be a logical replacement for the Uruguay international should the attacker depart Anfield, with Pepi giving a good account of himself last night in the Champions League.
And Pepi himself has now given his verdict on facing Liverpool, with Arne Slot opting to bring a heavily weakened squad with the Reds heading into yesterday’s game with a guaranteed top-two spot in the standings.
Pepi praises Liverpool’s ‘quality’ after 3-2 PSV win
Speaking to UEFA’s official website, the USA international lauded Liverpool’s ‘quality’ even with the Reds playing with a second-string team, with Pepi saying: “No matter what team they have, the first or second team, we know that they have quality players. It’s nice to play against teams like this.”
With Pepi scoring what would ultimately be the winning goal for PSV, the 22-year-old striker brought his goal tally for the season up to 18 in all competitions, with the attacker’s profile and reputation reaching a new peak after last night.
And the forward’s comments on Liverpool after full-time could hint towards Pepi making a potential move to Anfield, where the American international could become the latest forward for Slot to nurture into a superstar.
However, Liverpool could be beaten by a Premier League rival once the summer transfer window comes around, with an English side already making an offer to sign Pepi this January to take the former FC Augsburg man away from PSV.
READ MORE: Who is Ricardo Pepi and why do Liverpool reportedly want to sign him?
Ricardo Pepi subject to West Ham transfer offer this January
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have made an official bid for Pepi just hours after PSV’s win against Liverpool, though the Dutch side have rejected the €25m (£20m) offer for the 22-year-old attacker.
With the transfer window closing on Monday, interest in Pepi could be about to sky rocket after the striker’s performance against Liverpool, with the market set to go into overdrive for some big clubs looking to slash the cash.
And for Liverpool and their interest in Pepi, the Reds might be wise to make a move for the PSV star sooner rather than later, especially with West Ham making an opening offer for the El Paso-born talent.
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