Liverpool are in the market for a new forward.
Last summer around £200m went on new strikers – including a British record deal for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike also came on board.
But it’s been a season to forget for Liverpool’s new strike force. Isak, 26, has spent much of the season injured while Ekitike is currently on the sidelines with a ruptured achilles.
Accordingly it’s been reported that sporting director Richard Hughes is ready to enter the market for a new No9 at the end of the season.
It would be unwise to rely just on Isak as a senior option next season – given the scale of the £125m man’s injury issues. That means acquiring a top-quality forward becomes a priority for the Premier League champions’ sporting director.
Eli Junior Kroupi available for £60m
Andone name in the frame to arrive is Eli Junior Kroupi of Hughes’ former club Bournemouth.
The Frenchman has been the breakout star of his top-flight campaign – weighing in with 12 goals and putting himself in the shop window.
A report from Sports Boom now claims that the Cherries would be ready to discuss a deal at around £60m forthe France under-21 forward.
Liverpool will be right there for his signature but face competition from Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid for Kroupi according to the report.
“Bournemouth is expected to open the door for the young striker in the €60 million to €70 million bracket,” the report reads. “The player’s long-term contract, running until 2029, significantly strengthens the club's hand at the negotiating table.
“The absence of any release clause allows Bournemouth to play the role of the "stubborn seller" to the fullest.
“[Liverpool] admire Kroupi’s tactical flexibility and his ability to play as a "False 9”, the report continues. “Liverpool seeks a name to add creativity to the attacking line in the post-Mohamed Salah era.”
Eli Junior Kroupi: Situation summary
Eli Junior Kroupi is a 19‑year‑old French forward who joined Bournemouth from Lorient in February 2025 for around €10–13m and has quickly become a key attacker in his first full Premier League season.
He is under contract until June 2030 and does not have a release clause, with Bournemouth exploring an improved “blockbuster” deal, which leaves them in a strong negotiating position.
Stylistically, Kroupi is a mobile, instinctive striker who stretches backlines, attacks space and finishes quickly, drawing comparisons with Kylian Mbappé and Sergio Agüero.
He thrives in Bournemouth’s high‑tempo, flexible attack, makes sharp runs, presses diligently and can play as a central nine or second striker, though he remains heavily right‑footed and is still developing his physical strength and final ball.
After a breakout campaign and rising valuations in the £50–80m bracket, he is attracting strong interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG, with Bournemouth likely to sell only for a huge fee this summer or else keep him as a flagship asset for another season.
