Liverpool have been put on high alert: even a staggering €100 million (£86.6 million) bid won't be enough to land one of the Premier League's most exciting young forwards this summer.
The Reds have been linked with Bournemouth's teenage sensation Eli Junior Kroupi, who has taken the English top flight by storm in his debut season. But the Cherries are sending a clear, unwavering message to any interested clubs: he's not for sale—period.
Bournemouth chief executive Tiago Pinto didn't mince words when addressing the speculation, even name-dropping Liverpool directly in his warning. "Junior Kroupi will not be leaving Bournemouth," Pinto told 365Scores (via Mundo Deportivo). "His contract still has more than four years remaining, there is no release clause, and he's not going anywhere. We will not sell Kroupi even if Barcelona or Liverpool offer €100 million. That is completely out of the question."
The 19-year-old French striker has been a revelation since arriving on the south coast, netting 12 goals in his first Premier League campaign. His contributions have been instrumental in Bournemouth's unexpected push for Champions League qualification, adding even more urgency to their desire to keep him.
Teammate Marcus Tavernier has already dubbed Kroupi a "world-class" talent, and while the youngster will need to prove that billing over multiple seasons, his potential is undeniable. With a contract running beyond four years and no buyout clause, Bournemouth hold all the cards—and they're not afraid to play them.
For Liverpool and any other suitors, the message is simple: don't waste your time. The Cherries have drawn a line in the sand, and no amount of cash will cross it this summer.
