Atlético de Madrid is one of the clubs that always keeps an eye on the transfer market to find the best possible reinforcements for its squad. A position that has always been important with Simeone is that of the forward, as a good goal scorer brings you closer to winning titles. Therefore, at the Metropolitano, they have been monitoring one of the great promises that has emerged this season in European soccer.
However, there are two obstacles that have emerged in recent weeks that distance that young talent from being able to land in the colchonero team. The future of that striker is directly linked to the arrival of Lucas Pérez at PSV, one of the most surprising moves of this year. The veteran Spanish forward joins a club that will play for its place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League against a tough opponent like Arsenal.
Blow to Simeone's Desire
For some time, there has been a name that has been standing out in the top competition at the club level worldwide and that has caught the attention of major teams. It is Ricardo Pepi, a U.S. international who was experiencing the best moment of his short career, until recently. The 22-year-old player has scored 18 goals this season, although a serious knee injury will sideline him for the rest of the campaign.
Primarily, it was his goals in the Champions League that caught the attention of major clubs like Atlético de Madrid, among others. However, besides that physical problem, PSV didn't hesitate to renew his contract until 2030, although that doesn't mean he can't leave in the summer market. The reality is that Ricardo Pepi has become a risky operation, as no one knows how he will return after having to undergo surgery.
A Forward with Plenty of Room for Growth
The good news is that he is 22 years old and still has time to recover his best form and show his effectiveness in front of goal. His market value has already risen to 18 million euros, and a few months ago, in the Netherlands, they were willing to let him go for an affordable amount. However, the good level he was showing meant that more and more were interested in acquiring his services, also increasing his price.
Now, the Dutch team has signed Lucas Pérez to replace him, a move that has been a great surprise, as the Spaniard was playing for Deportivo de La Coruña. Evidently, it seems difficult for Ricardo Pepi to be able to leave PSV next summer, as he still needs to recover 100% from a complicated injury. Surely, Atlético de Madrid won't lose sight of him, but he will have to start over to get back on track and prove that he can aspire to more.