Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi has had limited minutes so far.
The Cherries bought the 19-year-old in February, though he would remain in France on loan until the summer – now, he's been integrated into manager Andoni Iraola's plans and eased into first-team reckoning over the past few weeks.
But after a summer in which Bournemouth sold three first-teamers for over £50 million, could Kroupi become the club's first £80m sale?
You may like
Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi has long been touted as a future star
Tottenham target Andoni Iraola head coach of Rayo Vallecano reacts during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Rayo Vallecano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 24, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.
Iraola has been cautious with Kroupi thus far(Image credit: Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
In 2023, Kroupi became Lorient's youngest-ever player, breaking the record previously set by Matteo Guendouzi – and in his development, he would become a key player for Les Merlus.
After agreeing his Premier League move in the winter, Kroupi scored 13 in 13 appearances to lead Lorient to the Ligue 2 title.
Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi
Kroupi scored on his first Premier League start(Image credit: Getty Images)
The teenager has naturally drawn comparisons with the likes of Hugo Ekitike and given that he's still young, his final form is yet to show itself: he's played up front but for Bournemouth boss Iraola, he has the potential to slot into a number of positions.
With Evanilson ruled out against Crystal Palace with a calf problem, Kroupi started up front – and unlike most lone-striker systems, Iraola makes sure to surround his frontman with support from both wings and Justin Kluivert at no.10 behind.
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
But Kroupi's movement arguably his biggest strength – and when he's played behind the striker, he's capable of ghosting beyond and into the box: he's adept at getting shots off with either foot, but his penchant to hit with his right means that he could be on option on the left-wing, too.
FourFourTwo certainly sees stylistic similarities with Leandro Trossard in his profile – but should Ekitike develop into a more physical presence, he could well become a striker in the long-term.
Eli Junior Kroupi of France during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2024 semi-final match between France and Ukraine at National Football Stadium at Windsor Park on July 25, 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Kroupi has represented most of France's youth sides(Image credit: Seb Daly - Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images)
That's where his value becomes truly interesting: as we saw over the summer, Ekitike commanded a huge fee after excellent form in the Bundesliga and should Kroupi become a reliable no.9 in England, there's every chance that the elite clubs will sniff around for a Premier League-proven striker.
For now, he's still now guarantee to keep his spot when Evanilson returns – but given the trajectories of Dean Huijsen, Ilya Zabarnyi and Antoine Semenyo under Iraola, you wouldn't bet against the Cherries turning a handsome profit for the Frenchman one day.