Eli Junior Kroupi has made a decision regarding his future
He has been linked with Man City among other clubs
Joining the Citizens is not considered a primary option
Signing for Manchester City is not Eli Junior Kroupi’s preference, but this does not mean a deal is impossible.
Man City have positions which need filling before the new season begins, the biggest of which is in central midfield.
Bernardo Silva’s exit has seen the club move in on Elliot Anderson, while Rodri has not ruled out a move during the summer transfer window.
Adding a new right-back to the squad is also important, while another wing option would be useful, especially if Savinho joins Tottenham.
However, should a player in a different position choose to leave City, they would likely need to be replaced.
Therefore, it makes sense that Man City are looking at Eli Junior Kroupi, as a summer exit for Omar Marmoush has not been ruled out.
Eli Junior Kroupi wants to join PSG instead of Man City
Unfortunately for the Citizens, Kroupi’s preference is to return to his home country and sign for Champions League winners PSG, according to Santi Aouna.
However, the Ligue 1 team have only just joined the race to secure his services, while other clubs have been involved for months.
🚨EXCL: 🔴⚫️🇫🇷 #PL |
❗️Parmi TOUS les clubs intéressés, le PSG est la destination préférée d’Eli Kroupi
➡️ Le dossier reste toutefois complexe pour les parisiens puisque plusieurs cadors européens ont déjà avancé leurs pions depuis plusieurs mois. Paris vient d’arriver.
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) June 2, 2026
Therefore, City will not have given up yet in their pursuit of the striker, who Bournemouth are refusing to sell for under £85m.
PSG have a second advantage over City
Kropi’s personal preference is a blow to Man City, and to make things even worse, he would be a better fit for their squad.
Luis Enrique started Ousmanne Dembele up front in the Champions League final, but the Frenchman is not a natural striker.
If Kroupi were to join the Parisian outfit, he would have a good chance of making his way straight into the starting lineup.
Whereas City might not be able to accommodate the 19-year-old, since Erling Haaland is always going to play in the centre forward role.
And even with Kroupi’s ability to play behind the striker, the Sky Blues already have Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden at their disposal.
Man City will be considering alternative striker options
Omar Marmoush wants a bigger role at Man City, but his demands are not going to be met with Haaland around.
Therefore, another attacker may well need to be signed, but realistically, Kroupi will be a very difficult signing to pull off.
City need a player who is going to be content only starting occasionally, otherwise any move they make will ultimately end in disappointment.
After all, Marmoush is a great forward, but he could still depart Man City after spending only a year and a half in England.
However, if the Egyptian can be convinced to stay for another season, that would be ideal as City would be able to use their resources to resolve their more pressing needs.