Liverpool linked with Bournemouth winger Eli Junior Kroupi as Hughes plots summer move
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is reportedly set to make a concerted effort to sign Bournemouth winger Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, according to sources close to the club. The Reds are said to view the 20-year-old as a potential long-term attacking option as they plan for a future that may eventually require replacing Mohamed Salah.
A report from Caught Offside indicates that both Liverpool and Chelsea hold a concrete interest in Kroupi and are keen to explore a deal when the transfer window opens. Sources cited in the report suggest Hughes, who previously worked at Bournemouth, will leverage his relationship with his former club to place Liverpool at the front of the queue for the player's signature. One source stated, "I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool have already had some conversations. Richard Hughes has a good relationship with his former club and will be on the phone to his counterparts there."
Kroupi has enjoyed a breakout debut season in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals for the Cherries. His stock rose further with a decisive performance in Bournemouth's recent 2-0 victory over league leaders Arsenal, where he scored the opening goal. That display, in a high-pressure match with significant title implications, is believed to have reinforced his credentials to clubs at the top end of the table.
The pursuit comes amid a complex backdrop at Anfield. Liverpool had also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace's Michael Olise, but reports suggest the Frenchman is now likely to join Bayern Munich, shifting focus to alternative targets like Kroupi. Furthermore, the club's contract negotiations with defender Ibrahima Konate have reportedly hit an impasse, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein, casting some uncertainty over the squad's future composition.
For Bournemouth, a significant fee would be expected for a young, productive attacker under a long-term contract. For Liverpool, the move represents a strategic play by Hughes in his first summer window, targeting a promising Premier League-proven talent who could develop within Arne Slot's system. The potential transfer battle with Chelsea, another club with a history of investing in young attacking players, could drive up the valuation.
Kroupi's direct style, goal output, and ability to perform in big matches have made him a sought-after commodity. His potential arrival at Liverpool would signal a commitment to building a new attacking dynamic, though he would initially be seen as a prospect for the future rather than an immediate like-for-like replacement for Salah. The coming months will test the strength of Hughes's relationships and Liverpool's resolve in a competitive market.
