Barcelona has made it clear that it remains open to signing French striker Eli Júnior Kroupi despite a three‑to‑four‑month injury layoff. The Catalan club values his explosive profile and fit with Hansi Flick's style, and President Joan Laporta has expressed personal admiration that even exceeds that for Argentine Julián Álvarez.
Why is Barcelona still interested?
The main driver is Laporta's strong preference, who has said Kroupi appeals to him as much as, or even more than, the club's primary target Julián Álvarez. The 20‑year‑old forward combines versatility and power, qualities that match the high‑intensity vision the German coach wants to implement. Moreover, the club already tops La Liga (final 2025: 1st with 79 pts, 26‑1‑4, form WWWWW) and seeks to reinforce the attack to keep a nine‑point lead over Real Madrid.
What does the injury mean for the transfer?
Kroupi will miss three to four months, meaning he will lose the early part of the domestic and European campaign. However, the Blaugrana hierarchy does not see this as an insurmountable barrier, viewing him as a long‑term investment rather than an immediate fix. The injury could even shift the negotiation dynamics with Bournemouth, which had been reluctant to part with the player and had turned down two prior offers.
What is Bournemouth's stance?
Before the injury, the English club declared the forward "untouchable" and insisted on keeping him in the Premier League. French reports indicated Bournemouth had rejected two Barcelona proposals. Now, Kroupi's injury may open a window for the Catalan side to revive its attempts before the summer window closes.
What comes next for Barcelona?
If scouts and the sporting department conclude Kroupi is the striker they need, Laporta is ready to green‑light the deal before the transfer window shuts, despite the player's physical condition. The final decision will hinge on medical assessment and Bournemouth's willingness to negotiate a price rumored around €100 million. In any case, the club has shown it is prepared to look beyond the short term to secure talent it deems essential for its ambitions.
Current fact: Barcelona leads La Liga with 79 points and a +54 goal difference, having scored 84 goals and conceded only 30 in the 2025‑26 season.
