Barcelona Keep Eli Junior Kroupi on Their Radar as Future Striker Target
Barcelona may have already moved on from their summer search for a new centre-forward, but one Premier League youngster remains firmly on the club’s long-term radar.
AFC Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi was one of the names considered by Barcelona during their search for attacking reinforcements, particularly when it became clear that a deal for Julián Álvarez was becoming increasingly difficult.
The Catalan giants remain interested in the 20-year-old Frenchman and have continued to keep communication open with his representatives.
Kroupi Emerged as an Alternative to Álvarez
Kroupi attracted Barcelona's attention after an impressive first season in the Premier League, with his profile viewed as a potential long-term fit for Hansi Flick's attacking system.
As Barcelona's pursuit of Álvarez became increasingly complicated, the club reportedly contacted Kroupi's camp to explore the possibility of a transfer.
However, those plans suffered a major setback at the end of July when the Bournemouth forward fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.
The injury effectively ended Barcelona's hopes of completing a deal during the summer window.
Barcelona Still Believe in His Potential
Despite the failed move, Kroupi's reputation within Barcelona's sporting department has not diminished.
According to reports, several members of the club's sporting structure continue to believe that the French striker possesses the qualities required to develop into a top-level forward.
Kroupi is now approaching the final stages of his recovery and is expected to return to action within the next month.
Barcelona intend to continue monitoring his progress once he is back on the pitch.
👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CULERS MEDIA — Get the latest FC Barcelona news and updates on YouTube
€100 Million Price Tag Makes a Deal Complicated
Kroupi's potential is not the only factor Barcelona must consider.
Bournemouth reportedly value the youngster at around €100 million, a significant investment for a player who has only recently established himself at the highest level.
Nevertheless, Barcelona's sporting department reportedly viewed his playing style as particularly suitable for the profile of striker Deco and Flick wanted.
President Joan Laporta was also said to be receptive to the idea of signing the Frenchman.
The injury ultimately brought the summer discussions to a standstill, but it did not completely end Barcelona's interest.
Barcelona Remain in Contact With His Representatives
Rather than abandoning the idea, Barcelona have reportedly maintained contact with Kroupi's representatives.
The objective is to keep a close relationship with the player's camp and remain informed about his development while positioning themselves for a possible future move.
However, Barcelona are unlikely to have the field to themselves.
Arsenal and Tottenham are also reportedly monitoring Kroupi, with both Premier League clubs potentially capable of making an approach as early as January.
That could increase the pressure on Barcelona if the striker returns from injury and quickly rediscovers his previous form.
Barcelona See Him as a Future Option
For now, Barcelona are not preparing an immediate operation for Kroupi.
Instead, the French forward is viewed as a potential future signing, with the summer of 2027 appearing to be a more realistic timeframe.
Much could change before then, particularly depending on Kroupi's recovery, development and performances after returning to competitive football.
But Barcelona's continued contact with his representatives makes one thing clear: the club has not forgotten about the Bournemouth striker.
If Kroupi can return strongly from injury, Barcelona could once again find themselves in the race for one of Europe's most promising young forwards.