Just In: Official | Eli Junior Kroupi is signed by Bournemouth in a last-minute agreement

Bournemouth brushed off tough competition to capture Lorient forward

Eli Junior Kroupi for £10million plus add-ons.

The 18-year-old, who joined the Cherries on transfer deadline day,

will spend the remainder of the season on loan with the French team.

Playing 17 games this season, the French Under-19 attacker has had a successful season in the second tier,

scoring nine goals and dishing out two assists in Ligue 2.Leading the league

rankings almost past the halfway point of the season, Lorient is led by the France Under 19 international.

Kroupi, who made his debut for Lorient’s first squad at the age of 16,

is regarded as one of the best players emerging from France.

His efforts were therefore associated with a

“For the remainder of the 2024–2025 season, the 18-year-old French youth international

will continue to play on loan for the Ligue 2 club.” When Kroupi scored his tenth goal of the

season in Lorient’s 2-1 victory over Red Star on Saturday, West Ham scouts watched, but their bid was unsuccessful.

Instead, Brighton’s Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson signed a loan agreement with the Hammers.

Earlier in the transfer window, Real Madrid, Tottenham, and RB Leipzig also shown interest in the 18-year-old.

Kroupi was in the last 18 months of his Lorient contract. In 50 games, he has 14 goals and five assists for the team.