Eli Junior Kroupi of AFC Bournemouth warms up prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth at Molineux on January 31, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)placeholder image
Eli Junior Kroupi of AFC Bournemouth warms up prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth at Molineux on January 31, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Liverpool are among the clubs linked with AFC Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi.
Liverpool have been linked with a Premier League youngster tipped to have an ‘unbelievable future’.
According to French outlet Telefoot, the Reds are among three clubs showing interest in Eli Junior Kroupi. The 19-year-old is enjoying a fine maiden campaign at AFC Bournemouth, having fired 23 goals for Lorient last season to help them earn promotion back to Ligue 1.
For the Cherries, Kroupi has scored eight times in 24 Premier League appearances. He has largely operated in a central role for Bournemouth, although he did operate out wide for Lorient.
Telefoot suggests that the France under-21 international has ambitions of winning the Ballon d’Or during his career and playing for one of the elite clubs. Liverpool are credited with an interest, as well as Spanish superpowers Real Madrid and reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Kroupi has made his mark at Bournemouth and been dubbed as a ‘generational talent’ by captain Marcus Tavernier. He told the club’s website earlier after a 3-2 loss to leaders Arsenal, in which Kroupi scored a stunning goal off the bench: “I’ve said before, Junior is a generational talent. The club has done an amazing job to pick Kroupi up. That boy has an unbelievable future ahead of him and today he showed why he’s such a good talent in the world of football.”
Will Liverpool try to sign Eli Junior Kroupi?
Liverpool look likely to have another busy summer transfer window, having endured a disappointing 2025-26 season. The attacking positions are set to be a priority, with Mo Salah’s form dropping markedly and Cody Gakpo having his troubles.
The Reds’ policy is to purchase players on an upward curve who can make an impact in the short, medium and long term, so Kroupi fits the bill. However, his future could be as a centre-forward and that role is where Liverpool have depth with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike - signed for a combined £205 million last summer.
Kroupi can play on the left wing but Arne Slot’s side may feel the future of that role is secured. Rio Ngumoha has made hurtling progress in recent weeks and was awarded man of the match in last Friday’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Continue Reading