Eli Junior Kroupi bombshell: Sky Sports drop shock West Ham transfer news
Eli Junior Kroupi is set to join Lyon from Lorient despite interest from West Ham United, according to Kaveh Solhekol.
The journalist reported via Sky Sports’ live transfer blog (3 February, 10:03 am) that the 18-year-old is due to return to Lorient on loan after sealing a switch to Lyon.
This is despite the Irons holding talks over a £33million deal for the centre-forward, as per Sky Sports on Saturday, 1 February.
Apart from West Ham, Chelsea and Bournemouth were also interested in signing Kroupi.
West Ham to miss out on Eli Junior Kroupi
This comes as a major surprise as the Hammers were claimed to have offered a deal worth up to £35m for the France Under-19s international [Sky Sports, 2 February].
The very reliable Jacob Steinberg also reported via his personal X account on Monday (3 February) morning that West Ham could wait until the summer to sign the teenager, who prefers to stay at Lorient until the end of the season.
Solhekol has not revealed further details about Lyon’s deal to sign Kroupi.
Therefore, it would be interesting to see how much the Ligue 1 club are shelling out to acquire the youngster’s services now.
Kroupi has been in fine form for Lorient in the French second division, bagging nine goals and two assists in 17 appearances this season.
With the Frenchman now set to join Lyon, it remains to be seen if the East London outfit will target another striker before the window closes at 11 pm on Monday.
They are already set to confirm the signing of Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton.
In other West Ham news, this is how much the Hammers need to shell out to sign one of their targets on deadline day.
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