Lorient and Bournemouth in talks over Eli Junior Kroupi transfer

According to a report from Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, FC Lorient and Premier League side AFC Bournemouth are in negotiations over the transfer of promising youngster Eli Junior Kroupi (18). The two clubs owned by American businessman Bill Foley are hoping to reach an arrangement whereby Kroupi can be loaned back to Les Merlus until the end of the Ligue 2 season, with Lorient currently sat top of the league and looking good for an instant return to the top flight after suffering relegation last season. 

This hasn’t been the first time the two Foley clubs have dealt with each other, including the €20m move for winger Dango Ouattara in 2023, and most recently the transfer of Romain Faivre last summer (who is currently on loan at fellow Breton outfit Stade Brestois). 

Eli Junior Kroupi was named in the summer as one of the five players to watch in the second division this season in Get French Football News‘ pre-season guide. The teenager has certainly lived up to that expectation so far after initially breaking through last season in Ligue 1 with Lorient. This season Kroupi has scored eight goals in 16 appearances in Ligue 2, registering two assists. 

GFFN | George Boxall