€22m market value 

©TM/IMAGO

Eli Kroupi has arguably been the best young player in the Premier League this season and it’s no surprise that the Bournemouth starlet is attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world. The Cherries benefitted from their multi-club ownership structure when they secured Kroupi’s signature in February 2024. Bournemouth acquired the French U21 international from Lorient for just €13 million, but they’ll land a substantial profit when he’s sold.

The striker has been a revelation this season, jumping from the second tier of French football to the biggest league in the world. Kroupi has scored eight goals in 20 Premier League games and Bournemouth are desperate to tie him down on improved terms amid mounting interest. PSG, Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid are amongst the clubs monitoring the 19-year-old according to reports in England and it’s clear to understand why he’s viewed as one of the best attacking talents in Europe.

Why major European clubs want Eli Kroupi

Bournemouth snapped up Kroupi halfway through his breakout season in France with Lorient. The teenager scored 22 goals in 30 games in Ligue 2 but there was scepticism over how he’d adjust to the unique demands of Premier League football against far superior opponents, but he has flourished on his first full season in top-flight football. Kroupi is lightning fast, incredibly skilful, deceptively strong and a brilliant finisher.

And as the graphic above illustrates, Lamine Yamal is the only U21 player to score more goals across the top five leagues this season. Kroupi is amongst some of the most coveted talents like Kenan Yildiz, Nico Paz and Yan Diomande – who have all received glowing praise this campaign. Kroupi’s excellence this season often doesn’t generate the attention it justifies compared to some of his peers, purely as he doesn’t play for a big club. But he’s been incredibly impressive and he’s also delivered against the leading English clubs, scoring against Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.

The view from France

Kroupi is on the radar of Didier Deschamps after starring for the U21s recently and we’ve received the lowdown from France from Ronan Caroff, Transfermarkt’s Ligue 1 expert. “Kroupi gained the wonderkid label quite early with his Ligue 1 debut just before his 17th birthday,” said Caroff. “He blossomed in Ligue 2 and had time to prepare for joining Bournemouth.

“It’s still probably too soon to expect a call-up to the French senior squad but there’s no doubt he’s on the radar of bigger clubs already. Kroupi has also reportedly changed his agency to the one that represents Ousmane Dembélé and Desire Doué highlights that. It’s tough to pinpoint his ceiling, but it’s certainly got higher this season.”