Liverpool are closely monitoring an £80m-rated “phenomenon” who is seen as an ideal fit for FSG’s long-term recruitment strategy.
Liverpool are reportedly monitoring a player from Richard Hughes’ former club, Bournemouth.
Last summer, Hughes — now Liverpool’s sporting director — oversaw the signing of Milos Kerkez from his old club, though their pursuit of Antoine Semenyo fell through when he joined Manchester City in January. Despite missing out on Semenyo, another attacker from Andoni Iraola’s squad has reportedly caught the attention of Anfield scouts.
Liverpool tracking Kroupi
CaughtOffside reports that Liverpool are keeping a close watch on Eli Junior Kroupi, who is also reportedly on the radars of Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain. Bournemouth are said to be realistic about the scale of interest surrounding the 19-year-old.
Kroupi is described as an “explosive” and “technically gifted” striker who is “still learning” but is seen as a long-term investment rather than an immediate starter — aligning perfectly with FSG’s transfer strategy. Insiders at the Vitality Stadium believe he could fetch a club-record fee of £70m–£80m, a huge return on the £10m Bournemouth paid Lorient for him last year.
‘Phenomenon’ Kroupi faces elite competition
Kroupi has impressed in his debut Premier League season, scoring eight goals in 20 appearances, with only Hugo Ekitike ahead of him at Bournemouth this term. His former Lorient teammate Tiemoue Bakayoko even called him a “phenomenon,” comparing his maturity on the pitch to Kylian Mbappe — high praise for a player so early in his career.
While certain areas of his game still need development, Kroupi has ample time to refine them in England. At Liverpool, he would face tough competition for a starting spot from Ekitike and the currently injured Alexander Isak, but his goal-scoring record suggests he could rise to the challenge.
It remains uncertain whether Hughes will make a concrete move for the Bournemouth striker in 2026, especially with other positions in Arne Slot’s squad requiring attention, but the transfer remains one to watch in the coming months.
