Table of Contents
Liverpool are eyeing up reinforcements at centre-forward – despite spending around £200m on new strikers last summer.
Alexander Isak cost £125m in a British record deal from Newcastle while Hugo Ekitike came on board from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69m.
Isak has struggled with injuries all season long and it will be next season before we see the 26-year-old at his best. Ekitike meanwhile is expected to be out of action for up to a year after rupturing an achilles.
It leaves Arne Slot short on strikers in the meantime and one name linked in recent weeks has been Eli Junior Kroupi.
Liverpool want deal for Eli Junior Kroupi
The Frenchman, 19, has become one of the breakout stars of the Premier League season – weighing in with 12 goals for Bournemouth.
His form has catapulted him to the top of the recruitment shortlists of top clubs all over Europe – with Liverpool right in the mix for his signature according to a report in the iPaper.
“Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are among the clubs keen on Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi,” thereport reads.
“He has 12 goals in 30 league games and is understood to be firmly on the radar of United, City and Arsenal.
“Liverpool – who are looking to reshape their attack with Mo Salah set to depart – are also firm admirers.”
But it looks like any potential suitors are going to have to wait before embarking on a bidding war for the Cherries’ standout talent.
Because the report adds that the south coast side are in full control over Kroupi’s destiny – given the lack of a release clause in his contract.
£100m+ for Kroupi in 2027
Bournemouth have set out a timeline for his departure – and that won’t be until 2027 and bidding will commence at around the £100m mark.
“He is not for sale at any price this summer,” the report reads.
“The earliest a transfer would be considered is the summer of 2027 – and then the value would be £100m plus, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs expected to join the chase if his progress continues at its current rate.”
Eli Junior Kroupi: Situation summary
Eli Junior Kroupi is a 19‑year‑old French forward who joined Bournemouth from Lorient in 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.
