Real Madrid and Barcelona set to battle for 18-year-old prodigy dubbed as the new Kylian Mbappe
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to battle over a player dubbed the new Kylian Mbappe. The two clubs currently monitoring Eli Junior Kroupi of FC Lorient after his impressive recent performances.
The French Under-19 star's style of play has seen him draw comparisons with his compatriot who currently plays for Los Blancos. He came through the Ligue 2 side's youth ranks to play 1,632 minutes for the team across 40 games and bag nine goals and four assists.
His versatility and talent on the ball have reportedly attracted the attention of Barcelona and Real Madrid, with his style of play reminiscent of a young Kylian Mbappe. AC Milan, Juventus, and Napoli are also keeping tabs on the forward who can play on either the left flank or through the middle as a striker or attacking midfielder.
However, with Los Blancos being fully stocked in attack, Blaugrana might have the advantage in their reported pursuit of the young forward whose deal expires in the summer of 2026.
Both teams will continue monitoring the 18-year-old's performances. The young forward is enjoying a strong campaign in Ligue 2, bagging four goals and one assist in 474 minutes across eight games.
Former Barcelona striker has his say on Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid
Former Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has had his say on Kylian Mbappe's arrival at Real Madrid. The French superstar joined Los Blancos this summer after one of the most protracted transfer sagas in modern football when his contract with Paris Saint-Germaine expired.
The Madrid-based giants lifted the LaLiga and UEFA Champions League titles last season before his arrival and the common belief is that he will give the 15-time European champions the firepower to win the title again.
However, Aguero does not believe that the World Cup-winning Frenchman will be the sole difference for the reigning champions, telling GOAL:
"Nobody's ever been able to count Real Madrid out. No need to say that. Mbappe joining them only serves to make them a bigger threat. I think he's a shoo-in to be La Liga's next Pichichi [top scorer]. Nevertheless, a single player doesn't make the difference. The team does. There's many of those vying to take the Champions, and they'll fight tooth-and-nail for it."
Kylian Mbappe has been impressive since his arrival in the Spanish capital, bagging seven goals and one assist in his opening 11 games for the side.
However, his performances have not been enough to deny Barcelona their place at the top of the league standings at the moment, with the Catalan side currently top of the league after nine games.