Exclusive: West Ham's Eli Junior Kroupi deal collapses after fee agreed
Transfers

Exclusive: West Ham's Eli Junior Kroupi deal collapses after fee agreed

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

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West Ham have seen their move for Lorient forward Eli Junior Kroupi break down, sources have told Football Insider.

The Irons agreed a £35million fee with the Ligue 2 club for the 18-year-old forward sensation.

However, a disagreement over the structure of payments proved an issue and the deal has now collapsed.

Lorient are now set to keep Kroupi in the belief he will be worth up to £50-60million this summer if he can help secure promotion back to Ligue 1 in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign.

The teenager is also attracting interest from Tottenham and Chelsea after his performances in the France’s second division.

West Ham, Chelsea and Tottenham sent scouts to watch him in action on Saturday as he scored in a 2-1 win over Red Star.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (3 February) that Brazilian giants Botafogo were also keen on the teenager and planned to loan him to sister club Lyon.

Kroupi's West Ham move off as £35m deal breaks down

Kroupi is considered one of the best young talents in France after breaking into the Lorient side in Ligue 1 at just 16.

He has hit 10 goals and notched two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.

West Ham
(Credit: Getty Images)

West Ham have announced one striker signing on deadline day - bringing Brighton's Evan Ferguson to the London Stadium on a loan deal.

The Irons sit 15th in the Premier League table and are in action against Chelsea on Monday night (3 February).

In other news, West Ham open door to Danny Ings joining Southampton.

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