Eli Junior Kroupi has recovered from a foot injury that has kept him out for around three months. The Bournemouth striker was linked with a move to FC Barcelona last summer, though it never came to pass. A new report says the Catalans haven’t given up on signing the 20-year-old forward.
Kroupi’s 13 goals in 35 appearances last season made European teams look towards him, especially as top strikers are rare in today’s game. Barcelona, in particular, had him as a second option after Atlético de Madrid refused to negotiate for Julián Álvarez. Barça reportedly made two offers nearing 100 million euro for the Frenchman, though they were turned down. The injury, as well as Bournemouth’s firm stance against selling him, made Barcelona back off.
There are whispers that Barcelona are interested in another go at signing him, perhaps next summer. One factor that plays in his favor is his young age. He still has plenty of time to develop, as well as time to run down his contract.
Barça instead signed Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal FC last summer. The Brazilian was signed to be a back-up, not a starter. Raphinha has moved from the wing to playing in the center-forward role after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, last season’s top two strikers.