Conflicting reports are breaking the news that Lorient’s in-demand forward Eli Junior Kroupi could be set to join either Lyon or AFC Bournemouth.
The final destination of the France Under-19 attacker varies depending on the ITK source or website, but what is becoming clear is that the Hammers are set to miss out on the player.
The news will be a bitter blow to West Ham fans, who are probably sick of the club being linked to talented youngsters only to have them poached by other clubs as we dither.
The Hammers were believed to have offered a £30m transfer package for the youngster tagged ‘the next Mbappe’, but with only £15m pledged as an upfront payment, the Ligue 2 club rejected it.
Some reports suggested West Ham would go back in with a bid in the summer, but it now looks as if we won’t get the chance.
Because whilst the Irons negotiators stalled and pontificated over making a second offer, it seems that we have been gazumped by both the Cherries and Lyon, who are prepared to offer terms more favourable to the selling club.
Just been confirmed Bournemouth have signed Kroupi and he will return to Lorient for the rest of the season.on loan.
Typical West ham
We have got Potter to steady the ship. But its still a basket case ship with basket case owners.
Let us pray Ferguson doesn’t get injured before making his debut 🙏
Some getting upset over a player most never heard of before last week .he scoring goals in French league 2 ,hardly a big miss ,maybe in time yes but he could fail big time as well
Never mind has same assets as Guilherme, who was cheaper, will have to play him instead.
Better than having both of them sitting on bench.
I vow to myself I will not visit this site during the summer transfer window. We’re an embarrassment. Everyone of the players we want is always out in the press and we hardly ever end up with them. Basket case of a club is correct. I used to love a transfer rumour but I actually can’t stand it anymore. So frustrating and just ridiculous the amount of stories that are released on us. Being a football fan is like being in a unhappy marriage.
Getting outbid by bournmouth our bad is this . West ham are a club that is pathetic to let a good player pass by .
I ll be amazed if he ends up at Bournemouth
Bournemouth owner also owns a stake in Lorient. So I’d say that gives them an edge over us.
I’d say more than just an edge !
Outside of West Ham sites, no outlets were reporting Kroupi as a realistic WHU transfer, particularly the joint ownership (W/ Bournemouth) situation.
SkySports were…
If he has a “stake”,that’s hardly enough to stop him moving to West Ham
Why not Bournemouth? Don’t take this the wrong way as I have always liked West Ham, but we are a more attractive proposition than you guys at the moment – better team, better manager, great owner, a club on the up, high probability of playing in Europe next season and a much more attractive location. Lorient are one of our sister clubs too. We can’t match you on wages paid but we are a great stepping stone for young players aiming for the top clubs. 🍒🍒🍒
The day Bournemouth are a more attractive proposition than West Ham is the day we should give up. ⚒️
WHAT HE SAID! ⬆️
Looks like a bit of ‘big club delusion’ there. You are bigger than AFCB and probably still the fourth biggest club in London but, at the present time, we are a better prospect for young talented players for the reasons I have already mentioned. We also play a really entertaining style of football. I’m not convinced Potter is the man to get you back where you want to be. Our advantage may only last for a few seasons but I’m going to enjoy it while I can! 🍒🍒🍒
Bournemouth and Lorient are both owned by American businessman Bill Foley. The two clubs have dealt with each other, including the €20m move for winger Dango Ouattara in 2023, and the transfer of Romain Faivre last summer who is currently on loan at fellow Breton outfit Stade Brestois. The deal would see Bournemouth purchase the teenage forward before then loaning him back to the Ligue 2 side. Lorient are currently top of the league and pushing for an instant return to the top flight after suffering relegation last season.
Lyon and Chelsea also submitted bids. £310 million spent this window so far by Premier League clubs; £130 million by Man City. West Ham just posted a tweet on X of a pen, a piece of paper and a pen! Let’s hope they are teasing a signing!
Club own by Bill Foley ,Bournemouth as well .
Lyon??? The club that is in such a financial mess that they have had to offload Benrahma. I doubt we were ever in for this kid and it just got hyped up on social media because of our serious interest in Cummings at Celtic
No surprise,sulli does like to have his fun with the fans
No change in our operations then
I think Bournemouth have an existing relationship with L Orient which might explain it ?
I might be wrong but can they buy him?
I think there was something similar with man utd and nice being owned by ineos.
That was because both teams were in the champions league if i remember right