The arms race for the next big talents in football have both accelerated and been backed with further resources in recent years, with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid seeing it as their only way to compete with the money of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
Hence Los Blancos have brought in the likes of Endrick Felipe, Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni for big money, while the Blaugrana have used what little cash they have currently to sign Vitor Roque from Brazil.
🚨 Barcelona and Real Madrid are attentive to Eli Junior Kroupi (17), who has been the sensation of Ligue 1 so far this season. He plays as a forward for Lorient. Via @sport pic.twitter.com/z0j06dapYJ
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 24, 2023
In recent years, France has become the biggest producer of wonderkids, and in Ligue 1 currently, there is talk of ‘the next Kylian Mbappe’ – not to put too much pressure on the shoulders of Eli Junior Kroupi. The 17-year-old has been making waves with Lorient this season, starting over half of their games and contributing three goals and two assists, including a brace against Olympique Lyon.
According to Foot 01, as carried by Sport, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are keeping tabs on the French talent. Versatile across the attacking third of the pitch, he tends to operate off the left coming onto his right, and has plenty of speed with which to do so.
Lorient have already put a new renewal offer on the table for Kroupi, even though he has a contract until 2026, in a bid to ensure their future.
Of course, it is natural for the Clasico duo to be aware of the top talents in Europe, and making a move for them is an entirely different matter. If Kroupi does put pen to paper on a new deal, it seems likely he too would cost them a pretty penny.
