- Why Manchester City should avoid Eli Junior Kroupi move
- Kroupi does not fit Pep Guardiola’s tactical plan
- The AFC Bournemouth wonderkid is overpriced
Manchester City have been heavily linked with AFC Bournemouth goalscorer Eli Junior Kroupi ahead of the summer transfer window.
Pep Guardiola’s side are eyeing Kroupi, who has emerged as one of the most talented youngsters in the Premier League this campaign.
Kroupi is valued at £69.3 million by Bournemouth, which goes to show how highly the Cherries rate him.
However, there are plenty of reasons why Manchester City should avoid making a move for the 19-year-old.
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Man City should avoid Eli Junior Kroupi transfer
While Kroupi’s knack of scoring goals and incredible shooting ability cannot be questioned, his fit into this Manchester City side can.
The Frenchman’s addition would be similar to that of Omar Marmoush, who could leave Manchester City in the summer. Both Marmoush and Kroupi are second strikers, which makes them difficult to accommodate for from a tactical perspective as a midfielder would have to be sacrificed in their absence.
While the aforementioned duo can be deployed as inside forwards, Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo have cemented their places as Manchester City’s wingers.
Kroupi has made 12 out of his 31 appearances this campaign as a second striker, which should worry Manchester City as he may struggle to lead the line if Erling Haaland needs to be rested; much like Marmoush.
| Eli Junior Kroupi: Positions played | 2025/2026 season stats |
| Striker | 19 |
| Second striker | 12 |
| Appearances | 31 |
With Rayan Cherki thriving at Manchester City, especially when playing behind Haaland, it is difficult to envisage where Kroupi fits into the picture.
Eli Junior Kroupi’s £69m price tag makes no sense
Furthermore, the £69.3 million price tag to sign Kroupi would be an overpay to say the least.
The former Lorient gem’s tally of 11 Premier League goals is incredibly impressive but it is also worth noting that he has only played one season of top-flight football at Bournemouth.
Considering Kroupi may not even be fit into Manchester City’s plans, let alone elevate their roster, the English giants should perhaps look elsewhere to reinforce their attack.
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Forget Kroupi, Man City should just back Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo is excelling under Pep Guardiola and for much of his time at City, he has operated as a nominal centre-forward.
Whether it be alongside Marmoush or Haaland, the Ghanaian has thrived playing centrally.
In September, Semenyo publicly told his former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola to deploy him as a striker as well.
The 26-year-old said on the Away Days YouTube channel: “Andoni, gaffer, play me as a [number] nine. That’s all I’m going to say.”
With Semenyo enjoying playing up top and looking the part in that position as well, Manchester City should think twice before making a move for Kroupi.
