Bayern Munich have reportedly moved for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi after missing out on Barcelona’s £69.3m signing Anthony Gordon. The 19-year-old has 13 Premier League goals in his first season at the Cherries and remains under contract until 2030.
When Barcelona landed Anthony Gordon for £69.3million from Newcastle, Bayern Munich were left looking for a swift Plan B. Two days earlier. their search had been framed around Gordon — and now the German champions are said to be reassessing the market with a new name on their shortlist: Eli Junior Kroupi.
Munich’s local newspaper Munchner Merkur and Bayern’s football arm Absolut Bayern report that Bayern see the Bournemouth forward as an “alternative target” after missing out on Gordon.
Kroupi, 19, has already attracted attention from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea following a breakout debut campaign with the Cherries. He scored 13 goals in his Premier League debut season.
Bayern’s interest lands on a player whose contract situation is attractive for whoever moves first. Kroupi is under contract with Bournemouth until 2030.
Before the Premier League breakthrough, his profile was already climbing. He arrived in the summer for a £10million fee, having helped Lorient secure promotion to the French top flight with 23 goals in all competitions.
The praise around Kroupi isn’t limited to scouts and spreadsheets. Thierry Henry, speaking to Sky Sports, said he wasn’t surprised by the way the forward has developed. Henry recalled wanting to call him up for France under-21s when he was just 16. adding that the experience “didn’t really work out” because he “hadn’t even played for the U17s. U18s or U19.”.
Still, Henry’s point was clear: when he sees “raw talent” paired with “determination,” age becomes secondary. Henry also addressed the reality that Kroupi missed out on France’s World Cup squad, even though some believed the youngster could sneak into Didier Deschamps’ camp.
Kroupi’s utility is part of what has made him stand out. Described as a versatile forward, he can play at number nine or No 10. And the way he has adapted in England has been part of the attraction for clubs used to young talent settling into their systems.
Andoni Iraola offered the most detailed picture of that progression last month. Iraola said Kroupi was “a big challenge” for him this season, naming the immediate impact of his finishing. He also pointed to the work Bournemouth had to put into him — especially the work required to earn minutes.
“I know he had a good start and scored goals but I try not to talk to him about goals because this is something which is natural and he will always have it,” Iraola said. “So, I have tried to make him focus on other parts and he has improved a lot.”
Iraola credited that improvement with allowing Bournemouth to put out “a very offensive line-up,” because Kroupi’s work rate helped the team keep shape and avoid being exposed defensively.
He also framed the move to the Premier League as a steep but exciting learning curve. “He’s still very young and has just arrived into the Premier League and it’s his first season. ” Iraola said. adding that next season is expected to bring “even more minutes” as he continues “evolving. ” with a “high ceiling.”.
For Bayern, the timing is the story. With Gordon gone after Barcelona paid £69.3m. the club are now hunting for a forward who can deliver impact quickly — but also one who looks like he can keep getting better. Kroupi’s goals. Bournemouth’s growing trust in his off-the-ball work. and his contract length until 2030 are exactly the kind of ingredients that make this shift feel urgent for Bayern’s recruitment team.
Bayern Munich Eli Junior Kroupi Bournemouth Anthony Gordon Barcelona Premier League Thierry Henry Andoni Iraola transfer news
So Bayern just be stealing everybody now? Kroupi sounds like some random bench guy but hey 13 goals is 13 goals.
I don’t get how they missed Gordon and then go for this kid. Like is Kroupi even good or just next on the list? Also why does it always feel like money talks more than talent.
Gordon to Bayern was supposed to happen right? Then Barcelona takes him for 69.3m and now Bayern “reassessing” like it’s a game. Kroupi is still under contract until 2030 but I’m not sure what that means for fans… do they just buy him and he shows up? lol
Thierry Henry saying “raw talent” and then saying he was supposed to be called up at 16 but “didn’t really work out” because he didn’t play the U17s and U18s… okay so he’s basically a late bloomer? Either way Bayern buying a 19-year-old sounds like they’re trying to replace someone immediately, which feels wild.