Barcelona weigh up Eli Junior Kroupi as striker search goes on

Barcelona’s search for a new centre-forward is gathering pace, with Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi reportedly emerging as a serious option as the club reassesses its plans in the market.

Barcelona looking beyond Julián Alvarez

After the departure of Robert Lewandowski at the end of last season, Barcelona are in the market for a new striker. Their pursuit has been linked with Julián Alvarez, who is said to want to leave Atlético Madrid and has attracted interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

According to the source material, Real Madrid saw a £129m bid rejected in June, while Atlético have so far shown no willingness to open talks with Barcelona president Joan Laporta. With that route proving difficult, Barcelona are now reported to be considering alternatives.

Kroupi described as a leading alternative

Kroupi has been identified as part of Barcelona’s contingency planning. The 20-year-old is said to have impressed in his first season in English football, making him an appealing candidate for a club seeking a long-term solution in attack.

Bournemouth’s stance, however, appears firm. The Premier League club are reported to regard Kroupi as not for sale, and the striker has been valued in reports at £110m. That figure underlines both his growing reputation and the difficulty Barcelona could face if they decide to push further.

Barcelona are not the only club credited with interest. Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Tottenham are also said to be monitoring the situation, which could further complicate any potential move.

João Pedro mentioned as another option

João Pedro has also been mentioned in connection with Barcelona, although the source describes the Chelsea forward as an unrealistic option at this stage. That leaves Kroupi as the more prominent alternative in the current discussion around Barça’s striker shortlist.

The broader picture suggests Barcelona are still working through multiple possibilities rather than closing in on a straightforward deal. Much depends on whether their preferred targets become attainable and whether selling clubs soften their positions.

Pre-season backdrop as Barça continue planning

While Barcelona continue to assess the market, their pre-season schedule rolls on. Their next opponents, Birmingham, have strengthened their own attack with the arrival of Luis Vásquez ahead of Friday’s meeting at St Andrew’s.

For Barcelona, though, the bigger issue remains unresolved. Replacing Lewandowski is a significant task, and the names being linked show the scale of the challenge. Alvarez may still appeal, but with Atlético Madrid holding firm, Kroupi has emerged as one of the most notable names in the conversation.

• Barcelona are looking for a striker after Robert Lewandowski’s departure.
• Julián Alvarez is reportedly wanted by Barcelona and Real Madrid.
• Eli Junior Kroupi is described as a Barcelona alternative up front.
• Bournemouth are said to value Kroupi at £110m and do not want to sell.
• Barcelona face Birmingham in pre-season on Friday at St Andrew’s.