Barcelona drops €130 million bid for injured striker Elie Junior Krope

French forward Elie Junior Krope, 20, suffered a left‑foot injury during Bournemouth’s pre‑season preparations in Austria and underwent surgery. The club’s medical team expects a three‑to‑four‑month recovery, with a possible return in November or December.

Barcelona had been monitoring the striker as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski, with a reported asking price of €130 million. Bournemouth, however, confirmed the player is not for sale this summer, effectively ending Barcelona’s pursuit and leaving the Catalan side to continue searching for a new centre‑forward.