United ready opening bid for record-breaking striker to become club’s next “young icon” – report

Manchester United are preparing to battle Europe’s elite to secure AFC Bournemouth starlet Eli Junior Kroupi’s signature this summer, according to a new report. Red-hot form Kroupi is enjoying a meteoric rise on the south coast in his first campaign for the Cherries. Signed in February 2025 for £10 million before being immediately loaned back to French side Lorient, the 19-year-old forward only arrived at the Vitality Stadium last summer and made his debut in England in the 4-2 defeat to Liverpool in August. But he has already etched his name into the record books, becoming the highest-scoring teenager in Premier League history in a debut season with 12 goals after converting from the penalty spot in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend. United are well aware of the France under-21 international’s lethal streak, having seen him score crucial goals in both the home and away draws — 4-4 at Old Trafford in December, 2-2 at the Vitality in March — this year. The Red Devils are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements this summer in the event that Joshua Zirkzee leaves. A return to Italy is understood to be the most likely destination for the Dutch forward. Kroupi’s versatility — he is capable of playing as a No.10, No.9 or on the left — makes him an ideal complement to the existing options at Old Trafford, while his age, wages, Premier League pedigree and sky-high potential tick all the boxes INEOS look for. Eyed by Europe’s Elite Naturally, a red-hot young forward with the ability to play across the frontline has attracted attention right across the continent, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City joining United in the hunt, while Spanish heavyweights FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are also admirers. Bournemouth’s recruitment model accepts that their brightest talents will soon be hoovered up by bigger clubs as long as a big-money offer arrives. An update relayed by The Peoples Person revealed the asking price for Kroupi was in the region of £60m. Sports Boom claims negotiations could start at the £52m point, however, while reporting the Cherries’ executive branch see the youngster as the “greatest ‘value creation’ success in the club’s history.” “In official statements, Bournemouth emphasises that Kroupi is ‘not for sale’ and sits at the heart of the club’s long-term Premier League projects…According to leaked internal information, Kroupi’s departure will only be approved if an offer arrives that is simply ‘impossible to refuse.’” “Bournemouth is expected to open the door for the young striker in the €60 million to €70 million bracket. The player’s long-term contract, running until 2029, significantly strengthens the club’s hand at the negotiating table.” United are searching for a “young icon to shoulder the scoring burden”, with scouts having been “tracking Kroupi closely for weeks”. Preparations over an opening bid worth £43m plus bonuses are said to be underway to “knock on Bournemouth’s door with”. Sports Boom also reveals that Paris Saint-Germain have stormed into the race in the hope of securing another one of France’s outstanding youngsters. The European champions are understood to be the suitor most likely to pay the “astronomical figures” required to win the red-hot race. Final Thoughts If United can fend off their rivals to sign one of Europe’s most exciting prospects by selling Zirkzee to fund the move, it would be an absolute masterstroke by INEOS in squad building. The pathway to first-team football is also much more open at Old Trafford than it would be at the Parc de Princes, for example. Securing a return to the Champions League, courtesy of yesterday’s 3-2 win over Liverpool, will also be pivotal in the sales pitch to convince Kroupi his future lies in the red half of Manchester. Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.