West Ham ‘to pay £35m’ as full Eli Junior Kroupi transfer terms disclosed
West Ham United have proposed a package worth £35million to sign Eli Junior Kroupi - including £15m upfront - as they await a decision from Lorient, according to Sky Sports.
Dharmesh Sheth and Kaveh Solhekol reported in Sky's live transfer blog (2 February) that the Hammers are proposing to pay for the 18-year-old forward across three payments, with up to £20m in bonuses.
Those include £10m if Kroupi reaches a certain number of games and a further £10m if he nets a certain amount of goals, but Lorient owner Loic Fery is yet to decide whether he'll sanction the transfer.
West Ham prepared to pay over the odds for Eli Junior Kroupi
The Hammers are far from the only club in the race to sign Kroupi – with Premier League rivals Bournemouth and Chelsea interested – but it's clear that the teenager's signature is one they're desperate to secure.
Graham Potter's side arguably face a significant disadvantage compared to Bournemouth in their pursuit, given the Cherries are part of a multi-club agreement with Lorient and Bill Foley has shares in both.
That makes their mammoth offer for the French youth international make much more sense given they'll need to go above and beyond to beat Bournemouth to his signature, with £35m one hell of an outlay.
Evan Ferguson may be on his way to the London Stadium after the Irons agreed a loan deal with Brighton, but the Irishman's reunion with Potter could be brief given there's no option to buy in place.
Ferguson looks set to be the answer for the Hammers for the rest of the season, but going forward under Potter, Kroupi – two years Ferguson's junior – could lead the line in East London for many years to come.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channelfor instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.