Barcelona are considering a €100m bid for Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi as they explore alternatives to priority target Julian Alvarez, with the proposed deal causing division inside the club’s sporting department.
The Catalan side remain focused on signing Argentina forward Alvarez as their first-choice option to strengthen the attack, but persistent difficulties in negotiations with Atletico Madrid have pushed Barcelona to activate a back-up plan, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.
With the club hierarchy convinced they must recruit a natural centre-forward this summer, Barcelona have reopened the option of signing Kroupi and have already made enquiries through intermediaries about the 19-year-old’s contractual situation. Any move, however, is understood to be restricted by an internal limit that the total investment on the new striker must not exceed €100m.
Flick approves Kroupi as fallback option
Within Barcelona’s sporting structure there is a clear split over the wisdom of committing such a significant fee to a teenager, despite his impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League.
One group of decision-makers believes Kroupi has the qualities to succeed at the highest level and fully fits the profile requested by head coach Hansi Flick. The German manager has reportedly given his approval for Barcelona to pursue the Bournemouth forward if the club are unable to secure Alvarez, having placed the signing of an out-and-out striker at the top of his transfer priorities.
Flick is said to regard it as essential that Barcelona add a centre-forward capable of aggressively pressing opposition build-up play – a key attribute he sees in Kroupi, who joined Bournemouth from Lorient.
Concerns over €100m outlay on 19-year-old
Others inside the sporting department are far more cautious. They argue that committing €100m to a 19-year-old represents a significant risk, even though Kroupi produced a standout campaign in England.
The France Under-21 international scored 13 goals in 35 matches for Bournemouth last season and was a decisive figure in the club securing an impressive Premier League finish. Under Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth ended the campaign in sixth place to qualify for the Europa League.
Sport reports that the €100m fee aligns with Bournemouth’s valuation of their striker. However, even if Barcelona decide to proceed at that price, concluding a deal is expected to be difficult.
Bournemouth reluctant to lose ‘star player’
Bournemouth’s hierarchy are understood to be reluctant to sanction Kroupi’s departure at this stage of the summer. The club believes losing their “star” forward now would disrupt planning for the new season and leave limited time to find an adequate replacement, despite there still being roughly a month before the Premier League begins.
In addition to Barcelona, Kroupi’s speed, versatility, work rate and end product have attracted interest from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. Both clubs are keeping close track of his development.
However, should Barcelona make a firm move, they are thought to be in a strong position. Kroupi is not currently among the leading attacking options for either new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca or Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique, a situation that could give Barcelona a clearer path if they decide to act decisively.
For now, Barcelona continue to pursue Alvarez while keeping Kroupi as a serious alternative, with internal debate over cost, risk and timing still to be resolved before any final decision is made.
