Premier League star desperate for dream Barcelona transfer | OneFootball

Barcelona are determined to sign a new striker this summer, although their efforts to do so have been in vain so far. Atletico Madrid have blocked them from signing leading target Julian Alvarez, and this has led to alternative candidates being considered by the club’s sporting department, headed by sporting director Deco.

Identifying a Plan B has also not been easy for Barcelona. They were knocked back by Harry Kane, while Fisnik Asllani is poised to join RB Leipzig from fellow Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim, although they have still a (slim) chance with Eli Junior Kroupi, who has emerged as their leading alternative to Alvarez.

Kroupi impressed Barcelona officials during his debut Premier League season in 2025-26, as they racked up 13 goals on the way to helping Bournemouth qualify for Europe. And he is ready to take the next step in his career by making the move to Catalonia, with COPE’s Helena Condis reporting that the 20-year-old wants to secure his dream transfer this summer.

Kroupi is said to be desperate to join Barcelona this summer, with the Catalans being his preferred choice for a move. He’s been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks, although it appears that joining Hansi Flick’s squad would be his priority.

Bournemouth unwilling to sell Kroupi this summer

The problem that Barcelona face is that Bournemouth’s stance on Kroupi is similar to that of Atleti’s with Alvarez. The Premier League side do not want to lose the young striker this summer, which is why they have established a record asking price.

It would be no surprise if Barcelona did not sign Kroupi in 2026. Both they and the player appear keen for a deal to be done, but Bournemouth hold the power in this situation, and they do not plan to sell at this stage.