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According to a report by Barca Universal on Tuesday 24, 2023, Barcelona and Real Madrid are locked in a race to sign a promising young French talent, Eli Junior Kroupi, who has been making waves in Ligue 1.
The 17-year-old forward, a product of the Lorient academy, has been compared to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe due to his speed, versatility, and goal-scoring ability.
Kroupi made his first-team debut for Lorient in the final game of last season, and in the ongoing campaign, he has become a regular in the side.
The young forward has featured in eight of Lorient’s nine Ligue 1 matches this term, making five starts and producing a return of three goals and two assists.
Standing at almost 1.80m tall, Kroupi is known for his ground speed and versatility, which has led to comparisons with Mbappe in France.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have a history of scouting and signing young talents from across the globe, and both clubs are reportedly interested in adding Kroupi to their ranks.
The El Clasico rivals have previously gone head-to-head for the signatures of players like Pablo Torre, Endrick, and more recently, Arda Guler.
The two clubs are also said to be interested in signing Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez and Girona right-back Arnau Martinez.
The interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid is a testament to Kroupi’s potential and talent. Both clubs have a reputation for nurturing and developing young players, and Kroupi could benefit from their expertise and resources.
A move to either of these clubs would provide Kroupi with an opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the world and further develop his skills.
However, Lorient will likely be keen to hold onto their prized asset, as Kroupi is considered one of the brightest talents in their academy.
The French club will be aware of the interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, and they may try to tie Kroupi down to a new contract to ward off potential suitors.
It remains to be seen where Kroupi’s future lies, but with two of the biggest clubs in the world vying for his signature, the young forward is certainly one to watch.
Kroupi’s performances for Lorient have already caught the eye of scouts and fans alike, and it will be interesting to see how his career develops in the coming years.
