Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi is set to miss three to four months after undergoing foot surgery.
Kroupi, who enjoyed a stunning first season in the Premier League, had been linked with the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham.
But any hope of a transfer for the 20-year-old is over for now after The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported Kroupi is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Kroupi reportedly sustained the injury during Bournemouth’s pre-season trip to Austria. He travelled back to England for treatment before having surgery on Wednesday.
Bournemouth had stood firm amid significant interest in Kroupi, making it clear they had no desire to sell him.
But the Cherries now face being without him until October or November in a significant blow to new boss Marco Rose.
Kroupi injury leaves big void for Bournemouth
Kroupi joined Bournemouth from Lorient in February 2025 but spent the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at the Ligue 1 club.
He starred in his debut Premier League campaign as Bournemouth qualified for the Europa League in what proved to be Andoni Iraola’s final season in charge.
Kroupi was Bournemouth’s top scorer last term with 13 goals in 2025-26, all of which came in the Premier League.
While Bournemouth still have Evanilson to play through the middle of their attack, Kroupi’s injury increases the pressure on the likes of Rayan, Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier to contribute goals as they attempt to hit the ground running under Rose while competing on two fronts.
Antoine Semenyo, who left for Manchester City in January, was second behind Kroupi for Bournemouth last season with 10 goals. Tavernier scored eight, Evanilson netted six, while Rayan contributed five. Kluivert, who dealt with injury for much of the season, scored twice.
Bournemouth could still lose one of their stars to another club. Alex Scott has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs and is said to be champions Arsenal’s alternative midfield target if they fail to prise Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle.
Rose takes charge of his first official game as Bournemouth boss on August 23, when they open the season away at Manchester City.
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