Eli Junior Kroupi, a 19-year-old striker who came through the Lorient youth system and now plays for Bournemouth (under contract until 2030) and the French U21 team, is among the players mentioned as transfer targets for Paris Saint-Germain. L’Equipe confirmed this interest on Monday and highlighted that the player might be tempted by the possibility.
“Paris Saint-Germain’s management has set its sights on Eli Junior Kroupi”
“For the past few weeks, behind the scenes, PSG’s management has been setting its sights on Eli Junior Kroupi (19 years old). Tiago Pinto, the shrewd sporting director of the Cherries, has no intention of letting go of his promising young player so quickly and easily. He values his talent highly. The Portuguese executive knows that Kroupi, a rare prospect, has a very large market in Europe this summer and that the competition could be particularly fierce.
This negotiation doesn’t directly conflict with those underway for Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco) or Yan Diomande (Leipzig), but rather with Julian Alvarez (Atlético de Madrid). PSG has significantly slowed down discussions for the Argentinian striker, who isn’t entirely convinced of his desire to join France.
“He could therefore consider other opportunities, and PSG could be one of them.”
The French Under-21 international, in private, isn’t ruling it out and isn’t hiding his interest.” His ambition, in the short or medium term, is to join a major European club. He could therefore explore opportunities, and PSG could be one of them. The progress of an attacking player like Désiré Doué, thanks to the Spanish coach, has not gone unnoticed by the young talent and those close to him.
We always remain cautious about rumors, but it’s interesting to see this one gradually being confirmed. Kroupi is a great talent, with a versatility that would certainly appeal to coach Luis Enrique. This could also allow him to get playing time, a crucial point given that he has become accustomed to the starting role at Bournemouth.
However, the player who can play in all attacking positions has not yet arrived at PSG. Even though there are compelling reasons to do so, given the progress of many players under Luis Enrique, as well as his place in the national teams, including the French national team.
A discussion seems possible, but nothing is finalized. Other clubs may well try their luck, and Bournemouth won’t give him any favors. This could be a hot topic this summer transfer window, unless the door is firmly closed. Let’s wait and see.
