Barcelona and Manchester City have both shown interest in Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, but the Premier League club are determined to keep the French youngster this transfer window.
Bournemouth have made it clear they have no intention of sanctioning a move for the 18-year-old, despite growing attention from two of Europe’s leading sides. Club officials are reported to be planning around Kroupi as a key part of their long-term future.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have been analysing Kroupi in recent weeks as part of their forward planning for the current transfer window. The France youth international was among the options considered by the Catalan club in case talks to sign Julian Alvarez failed to progress.
That internal assessment underlines Barcelona’s strategy of preparing several scenarios to strengthen their attack, with a focus on players regarded as having significant potential.
City enquire as interest grows
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Romano also reports that Manchester City have made enquiries about Kroupi this month, indicating that his performances have drawn attention at the highest level of European football.
The fact that both Barcelona and Manchester City have been monitoring Kroupi is seen as confirmation of his rising reputation on the transfer market. The interest of two recent Champions League winners reflects how highly the forward is now regarded across the continent.
However, Bournemouth’s stance remains unchanged. The Cherries are said to be “very clear” in their position that no departure is envisaged during this window and are not entertaining the prospect of opening formal talks over a transfer.
Long-term deal and valuation
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Kroupi is under contract at Bournemouth until June 2030, giving the club a strong negotiating position as they look to build around him in the coming seasons.
The attacker, who is of Ivorian origin, is currently valued at €70m by Transfermarkt. His annual salary is reported to be €1,192,975, which equates to 775,433,750 FCFA.
For now, any clubs hoping to prise Kroupi away from the Vitality Stadium will have to wait, with Bournemouth relying on him as a cornerstone of their future plans. Should the situation change in the coming months, potential suitors are expected to need a particularly compelling proposal to shift the south-coast club’s resolve.
