Who Is Elie Junior Kroupi And How Can He Transform Bournemouth Next Season?

Since the takeover of American owner Bill Foley in December 2022, AFC Bournemouth have been a team on the up. Staying up in the division after being previously written off before a ball had been kicked, to flirting with the European spots in 2025. Andoni Iraola has been a huge part of that success on the field – creating a clear pressing philosophy and improving his players.

However, the biggest factor in the Cherries success story has been their investment in young talents. Within his first window at the club, Bournemouth’s American owner decided to sign Illia Zabarnyi, a young Ukrainian central defender who was yet to play in one of Europe’s top leagues. Since, Zabarnyi has become one of the Premier League’s best young defenders, creating a strong bond with some of the south coast side’s most recent signings in Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen at the back – two players that have become two of Europe’s most desired defenders before the summer window.

While the transfer window may be shut and Iraola’s side have four league games remaining, they have a raw and exciting French talent that is ready to join in the summer.

Elie Junior Kroupi is the next wonderkid in the Cherries production line, the Cherries having beaten away from Chelsea and West Ham in January, agreeing a fee of €12m with their sister-club Lorient for the striker.

Looking forward to his move to the south coast, who is Kroupi, and what can he bring to the English top-flight?

Early Career At Lorient

Despite not yet having the longest career or being the finished product - Junior Kroupi is a name that European football fans will be relatively familiar with. Coming through the ranks at Lorient at the age of 18, the striker has quickly become the Ligue 2 club’s key player.

Seven goals in 15 appearances in the 2022/23 National 2 season for Lorient 2 - rapidly grabbed the attention of the Lorient first-team coaches, with the attacker being handed his senior debut in the same season. Kroupi became the club’s youngest player to make their debut, replacing the record of former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi and placing his name as the third-youngest player to appear in Ligue 1 that season.

Following his debut in 2023, Lorient’s starlet stamped down his place in the team, appearing 30 times in the league during the next season, scoring five times and assisting three. But Kroupi’s goals were not enough to save Foley’s French club as Lorient were relegated to Ligue 2.

However, since moving down to the second tier of French football, relegation has not seemed such a bad thing for Kroupi, the French youth international storming his way to becoming the division’s top goal-scorer.

Ligue 2 Dominance

Striker is Kroupi’s regular position, but he is also capable on the left flank, cutting in and threatening on his right foot. Pace, dribbling, and link-up play are all key to the 18-year-old’s game. But it is his clinical edge that has powered him towards the Ligue 2 Golden Boot.

Kroupi boasts 21 goals in 30 games to his name, with 21 of those coming in the second tier of French football. Not only that, but the Frenchman is on red-hot form in the present day, scoring seven goals in his previous four games. His goal at the weekend has also put Lorient back to the promised land and promoted to Ligue 1, with Kroupi being the most important cog in the machine.

Not only does he bring goals, but Kroupi has also made a bit of a name for himself this season due to his obscure and inventive celebrations. The striker’s habit of finding the back of the net has seen him debut celebrations from dance moves to waving around cuddling toys, it is clear to see that the youngster will become a fan favourite and entertainer in the Premier League.

Instant Impact At Bournemouth?

At 18 years of age and having scored 21 goals in a season, it is clear to see that Kroupi has something that many other players at his age do not have – unquestionable talent and potential. However, while he scored a handful of goals in the top flight of France and went on to impress in the second, the question many people will ask is whether he can do it in the toughest division in the world.

With Evanilson already at the club and impressing within his first season, it is very unlikely that Kroupi will immediately start for the Cherries. However, give the youngster a couple of years, and goals could become his middle name if he can fit into an Iraola system and the Frenchman can quickly adopt the club’s style and philosophies. With European football now looking unlikely at the Vitality Stadium next season, they will hope that their new 18-year-old striker could be the man to push the club into unseen territories.