Bournemouth set huge asking price for Barcelona-linked French attacker | OneFootball

FC Barcelona’s search for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski has run into another significant obstacle after Bournemouth placed a massive valuation on Eli Junior Kroupi.

The 20-year-old French striker has emerged as one of the alternatives on Deco’s shortlist as Barcelona continue to monitor the market while negotiations for Julian Alvarez remain stalled.

According to Gerard Romero, Bournemouth would only consider selling Kroupi for around €130 million, a figure that effectively places the forward beyond Barcelona’s current financial reach.

Bournemouth have no intention of selling cheaply

Kroupi enjoyed an outstanding first Premier League campaign, scoring 13 goals after arriving from Lorient, where he had previously netted 22 times before earning his move to England.

His performances have attracted attention from several top European clubs, but Bournemouth are in a strong negotiating position. The striker is under contract until 2030, leaving the Premier League side under no pressure to sell.

The Cherries have also built a reputation for demanding premium fees. That same strategy now appears to apply to Kroupi.

There is little doubt that Kroupi is an exciting talent with the potential to become one of Europe’s leading forwards.

His age, finishing ability and room for development fit perfectly with the profile Barcelona are targeting. He could grow alongside Lamine Yamal, Pedri and the rest of Flick’s young core for years to come.

However, €130 million is simply too much for a player with one impressive Premier League season behind him.

Barcelona have spent the last few years rebuilding through smart recruitment and financial discipline. Walking away from an inflated valuation is just as important as identifying the right targets.

If Bournemouth eventually soften their stance, Kroupi could become a realistic option again. Until then, Barca should continue exploring alternatives rather than allowing another transfer saga to become a financial gamble.

For now, the club’s interest remains alive, but Bournemouth’s asking price makes any deal look highly unlikely this summer.