FC Barcelona has set its sights on Eli Junior Kroupi, the 19-year-old French forward who turned heads during his debut Premier League season at AFC Bournemouth. The problem: Bournemouth has slapped a €100 million price tag on a player they insist isn’t even for sale.

The kid from Lorient who got very expensive, very fast

Born on June 23, 2006, in Lorient, France, Kroupi joined Bournemouth permanently in February 2025 for approximately £12 million plus add-ons. A few months later, the club is reportedly valuing him at over eight times that acquisition cost.

In the 2025/26 Premier League season, Kroupi has tallied between 12 and 13 goals across 33 appearances, starting 21 of those matches. For a teenager in his first full campaign in English football, those are eye-popping numbers.

Kroupi is described as a versatile striker, someone who can operate across the front line rather than being anchored to a single position. That profile fits neatly into the mold Barcelona has been shopping for as it plans life after Robert Lewandowski, who, at 36, is closer to the end of his career than anyone at Camp Nou wants to admit publicly.

Barcelona’s interest and Bournemouth’s brick wall

Barcelona reportedly views Kroupi as a long-term successor to Lewandowski. The Spanish giants have already made an approach, according to reports, only to have it rejected by Bournemouth.

Manchester City and Arsenal have also shown interest in the French forward, and Bournemouth has consistently turned down inquiries. The Cherries’ bargaining position is strong for a simple reason: Kroupi’s contract runs until June 2030, which means Bournemouth faces zero pressure to sell.

The reported €100 million asking price sits in a weight class that Barcelona has struggled to operate in recently. The club has leaned on free transfers, loan deals, and financial levers to rebuild its squad under Xavi and now under Hansi Flick.

One potentially helpful detail for Barcelona: Kroupi reportedly grew up as a fan of the club and would prioritize a move to Camp Nou over other destinations. Player preference matters in negotiations, but it doesn’t override a selling club’s contractual leverage.