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SportsBournemouth reject two Barcelona bids for Eli Junior Kroupi
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Bournemouth have rejected two bids from Barcelona for 20-year-old striker Eli Junior Kroupi, who impressed in his debut Premier League season with 13 goals in 33 games. The French forward, signed from Lorient in February 2025 for £11 million, is versatile across attacking positions. Barcelona view Kroupi as a backup option to Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, who has expressed a desire to leave. Manchester United also have the player on their shortlist. Both rejected bids were reportedly under £85.7 million (€100 million).
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Bournemouth Reject Two Bids for Eli Junior Kroupi
Originally posted on centredevils By Kieran Davies Last updated: Jul 28, 2026, 2:30 PM ET
Eli Junior Kroupi has become a name to watch after an impressive debut season at Bournemouth drew interest from across Europe.
The 20-year-old rose through the Lorient academy and was bought by Bournemouth in February 2025 for £11 million, remaining with the French side on loan for the rest of the season.
The 2025/26 season saw his Premier League debut showcase his potential, scoring 13 goals in 33 games. Beyond his finishing ability as a striker, Kroupi offers versatility, capable of playing on either wing or in attacking midfield.
Unsurprisingly, he emerged on Manchester United’s attacking shortlist for this summer, with the club prioritizing Premier League experience. However, United are not the team in the driving seat to sign the attacker — that position is currently held by Barcelona.
According to L’Equipe, Hansi Flick’s side are considering a move for Kroupi as a Plan B for Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, who has seemed untouchable from Madrid’s standpoint.
Recent comments from Alvarez at the 2026 World Cup have inspired hope for a move, with him saying: “I spoke with people from Atlético de Madrid and I think what’s best for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream.”
That said, the move is still not complete, and Barcelona are looking at contingencies. Unfortunately for Barça, Kroupi appears as vital to Bournemouth as Alvarez is to Atlético — the Cherries have already rejected two of Barcelona’s offers.
Deco is reportedly pushing the pursuit after Flick gave the green light, excited by the 20-year-old’s potential. It is understood that both offers were under the £85.7 million (€100 million) mark, with the LaLiga side continuing their interest in Premier League stars.
Last season, Barcelona took Marcus Rashford on loan for a year, looking set to trigger his buy clause for £26 million, before walking away from the deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United instead.
This article first appeared on centredevils and was syndicated with permission.
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Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
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Bournemouth reject two bids for Eli Junior Kroupi