Following their unsuccessful attempt to sign Anthony Gordon, FC Bayern Munich have now turned their attention to another forward who has already drawn high praise from club legend Thierry Henry.

As per reports from Absolut Bayern, the player being closely monitored is Junior Kroupi, currently with Premier League side AFC Bournemouth. Scouts from the German champions are said to be tracking the 19-year-old’s progress very carefully.

Securing Kroupi’s signature would require a significant financial commitment. Bournemouth reportedly value the technically skilled and lethal attacker at approximately €80 million. The youngster is under contract with the club—who finished sixth in the Premier League last season—until 2030.

Bayern, however, are not alone in this pursuit. Earlier reports from May linked Kroupi with FC Barcelona, while English giants Manchester City and Arsenal are also believed to be admirers of his ability.

The French forward has also caught the eye of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Speaking to Sky Sports, Henry said, “I’m not surprised by his progress,” recalling his time as France U21 coach when he had considered calling Kroupi up at the age of just 16. “It didn’t really work out because he hadn’t yet featured for the U17s, U18s, or U19s,” Henry explained, before adding enthusiastically, “But when I see a player with that kind of raw talent and drive, age doesn’t matter to me.”

FC Bayern: Junior Kroupi could provide versatile attacking options

Kroupi came through the youth system at French Ligue 1 club FC Lorient, making his senior debut at just 16. In February 2025, Bournemouth paid €13 million to acquire him. He spent the remainder of the 2024/25 season on loan at Lorient, where he scored an impressive 22 goals in 30 matches, helping them secure promotion back to the top division.

After a short adjustment period in England, Kroupi adapted quickly and impressed during the latter half of the Premier League season, finishing with 13 goals in 33 appearances. Bayern are currently searching for a flexible forward this summer, and Kroupi fits that profile perfectly—capable of playing as a central striker, a number ten, or operating effectively from either flank.

Bayern’s initial top choice for the role—intended to compete with Luis Diaz on the left flank and provide backup for Harry Kane in the centre—was Anthony Gordon. However, the Newcastle United attacker now seems destined to join FC Barcelona.

Another name linked with Bayern is Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig. Yet, with a valuation exceeding €100 million and strong interest from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, the move appears unlikely for the Bavarian club.

Upcoming fixtures for FC Bayern Munich

Fixture List

25 July – Wehen Wiesbaden vs FC Bayern (Friendly)

4 August – Jeju SK FC vs FC Bayern (Friendly)

7 August – FC Bayern vs Aston Villa (Friendly)

15 August – FC Bayern vs RB Leipzig (Friendly)

22 August – Borussia Dortmund vs FC Bayern (DFL Supercup)