It could count on little understanding. That PSV no longer achieved a second striker, after it was announced that Ricardo Pepi will no longer take action this season. Earnest Stewart is responsible for that choice. The technical director took on Friday to explain his failed search for a striker.
No, the technical director (TD) did not expect to get it so busy in the final weeks of the transfer period in mid -January. “We were actually only looking for a replacement for Hirving Lozano. We found it fairly quickly. Then it also seemed to be a calm transfer period. But then two things happen that change everything.”
Earnest Stewart refers to the transfer of Matteo Dams and the injury of Ricardo Pepi. For the left back a replacement was found in the person of Tyrell Malacia, but a new striker did not come in Eindhoven. “A conscious choice”, Stewart tried to explain his considerations.
“For many the third striker of Utrecht, but for me also the striker of the Dutch Juniors.”
“You have three options. The first option is one for the long term. That was Loum Tchaouma in this case,” the TD refers to the young wing attacker of Lazio Roma, who could also handle the rush. “If that doesn’t work, you will look at rental options.”
Only Stewart bumped into the next problem. “Certainly in the winter period you can only rent players with a scratch. There is something going on with every player.” This is also the case with Noah Ohio who was eventually marked as target. “For many the third striker of FC Utrecht, but for me also the striker of the Dutch Juniors,” Stewart still wanted to parry the criticism from outside.
But above all the striker of FC Utrecht, just like Ricardo Pepi, was still injured, albeit a bit shorter, but it was still a remarkable choice for the outside world. “But a striker who has just scored 20 goals is never rented by his club.” Eventually the deal clapped with FC Utrecht, so that option three was discussed: Jesper Uneken.
The PSV youth striker now seems to be being transferred from Jong PSV, after which he will be the second striker behind Luuk de Jong for the rest of the season. A risk, and so the question is why PSV has not reserved millions for a real striker?
“We also really want to continue with De Jong.”
“Of course we had a list of a lot of strikers that we could have buyed. But first of all you pay a lot of money for that and secondly you already have Pepi and De Jong in your selection. Pepi has just signed a new contract and with the Young we also want to continue if we were to add a third striker with a long -term contract, there is a financial situation that you don’t want to be in. “
The only thing that the technical director can still do now is possibly attract a transfer -free striker. Just as PSV did with Ivan Perisic at the start of the season. Stewart keeps that option open. And until that time it is especially hoping for the Eindhoven club that Luuk de Jong will remain fit and this Spitsensaga will have no consequences for the sporting ambitions of the club. Because the championship is and remains the holy goal.
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