Lorient want to keep Bournemouth’s Eli Juinor Kroupi for another season | OneFootball

Eli Junior Kroupi (18) has been a key figure in helping FC Lorient return to Ligue 1 at the first time of asking and his formative club now want to retain him for another year, despite the forward being bought by Bournemouth earlier this season.

Les Merlus were relegated from Ligue 1 last season, however, they have made a swift return to the top-flight. Their promotion from Ligue 2 has already been confirmed and Kroupi is a big reason why. The France youth international has netted 20 goals in 28 games in Ligue 2 this season.

A key part of Olivier Pantaloni’s side, Lorient’s president, Loïc Féry, has told L’Équipe that he wishes to retain Kroupi for a further season. “There is a big interest in talking with Junior about the possibility of doing another season, if he wishes and if the club that bought him is also open to a loan,” said Féry.

The forward was bought by Bournemouth, who share the same owner as Les Merlus in the form of Bill Foley, back in January for a €13m fee. However, he was sent straight back on loan to the Breton club by the Premier League side. That loan expires at the end of the campaign but there is clearly a desire for Lorient to extend that further.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle