FC Barcelona has not forgotten Eli Junior Kroupi. After trying to recruit the French striker from Bournemouth during the last summer transfer window, the Catalan club would continue to carefully monitor its situation with a view to the summer of 2027. According to information from Sportthe 20-year-old player is still among the avenues studied by Deco and the Blaugrana sports management to strengthen the offensive sector. Author of 13 goals in 35 games last season, the former Lorient player caught the eye of Barcelona leaders, particularly after the categorical refusal of AtlĂ©tico de Madrid to negotiate the transfer of JuliĂĄn Ălvarez. Barça even went on the offensive with two proposals close to 100 million euros, both rejected by Bournemouth. A foot injury that occurred in July, with a fracture of a metatarsal, then put an end to discussions and kept the Frenchman away from the field for more than three months.
But the return to competition of Eli Junior Kroupi could now revive Barça’s interest. Absent since the start of the season, the striker was selected in the Bournemouth group for the trip to Manchester United on Sunday (3 p.m.) in the Premier League. His trainer, Marco Rose, was reassuring regarding his physical condition: â He is doing well physically. Maybe we can count on him for a few minutes in Manchester. » A recovery which will be closely followed in Catalonia, even if Bournemouth intends to take all precautions with its player. Kroupi was not included on the English club’s list for the league phase of the Europa League and will therefore not be able to play in this competition before January at the earliest. For FC Barcelona, ââhis profile has several advantages: his youth, his potential for progression and his ability to be part of a long-term project alongside Lamine Yamal. While AtlĂ©tico are reportedly demanding 490 million euros for JuliĂĄn Ălvarez, the Frenchman could once again become a preferred option if the Catalans decide to recruit a new center forward next summer.
