Kroupi Jr rejects Portugal approach before March camp
kroupi jr turned down Portugal before the March training camp and chose France instead. The 19-year-old Bournemouth forward was the subject of a formal approach ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but Portugal closed the case after he made his choice.
Martinez on Portugal's contact
Roberto Martinez said Portugal had contact with Kroupi before the March training camp while unveiling his 27-man provisional squad. He said the staff moved early because the player could represent Portugal, France or Ivory Coast, but the forward wanted France.
“Yes, there was interest, we stayed ahead of the news. Before the March training camp we had contact - it is important to follow players who can represent the Portugal national team and those who want to represent - Junior wanted to play for France and we respected it, it is a case that we left closed.”
Kroupi's France path
Kroupi has already played for France at youth level and scored 15 goals across various youth age groups. That history gave France the edge in the senior decision, even though Portugal had family links in the picture through his mother and grandmother, with Ivory Coast also available through his father.
The choice leaves Portugal without a player it had actively targeted for the next World Cup cycle, and it pushes the focus back onto the squad Martinez is building for June. Portugal is scheduled to open its tournament campaign against DR Congo on June 17 after two home friendlies against Chile and Nigeria.
Bournemouth value rises
For Bournemouth, Kroupi has already delivered 12 goals in 31 Premier League appearances this season and added two more in domestic cup competitions. The club signed him for €15 million, and sporting director Tiago Pinto said Bournemouth would not sell him for €100m.
That leaves one clear result from Portugal's recruitment push: Kroupi stays tied to France for now, while Bournemouth keep a 19-year-old forward whose value and output have already drawn attention well beyond the Premier League.
