FC Barcelona, under the guidance of Sporting Director Deco, have moved with conviction and clarity in this transfer window that has been lacking for a long time. It has been refreshing to see the way the Catalan club has pursued its targets.
Just like a leopard silently perched atop a tree, scanning the savannah with patience and precision, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce, Barcelona have executed their moves with calculated intent. An example of this can be seen in the way the club identified Joan Garcia early, tracked him quietly, and struck decisively when the timing was ideal.
Much like the predator that swiftly descends, captures its prey, and retreats to safety before the dust settles, Barca secured the signing and swiftly confirmed it, leaving little room for speculation or interference. They are also working on the signing of Nico Williams.
In yet another instance of what could turn out to be very shrewd business, Barcelona are nearing an agreement to sign talented Swedish wonderkid Roony Bardghji from Copenhagen for €2 million fixed fee with add-ons and a sell-on clause.
Roony Bardghji Destined for greatness
Ever since a young age, Bardghji has been touted as a huge talent destined for greatness. He broke into the first team at Copenhagen at a very young age and has already made 84 appearances for the first team, scoring 15 goals and providing one assist.
His exploits back when he was just 17 earned him the tagline, the ‘Swedish Messi’, and praise just cannot get bigger for an aspiring right winger. After all, the resemblance is uncanny. The teenager is left-foot dominant and loves cutting in from the right and unleashing curled shots to the far post.
Bardghji has been heavily involved with the Swedish national team at the younger levels and it is only a matter of time before he makes the step up to the first team. With a contract that expires in December, it comes as no surprise to see top clubs express their interest.
The elephant in the room
FC Barcelona will be spending a fee of just €2m to bring Bardghji in, which would mean there is almost minimal risk in this transfer. The initial investment is very low, and the potential upsides of this transfer could be very high.
Bardghji was very close to a huge move last summer itself, but an ACL injury meant that his 2024/25 season was a complete write-off. He has missed 329 days of action and close to 48 games through this injury and this is the risk that Barcelona are taking.
Returning from a cruciate ligament tear isn’t a piece of cake for everyone and this could prove to be a stumbling block in Bardghji’s development. Barcelona will have to ensure that the player makes a proper recovery and is eased back into action.
Roony Bardghji during the 2023/24 season. (Source: DataMB)
The numbers clearly show the potential that Bardghji possessed before his ACL injury. While he might not have any assists to show for, it is clear that he has the ability in his locker, showcased by the key passes in the radar.
Bardghji has a huge future in the sport, provided he makes a 100% recovery from his latest setback. It feels good to see Barcelona betting on his potential and securing his signature for absolute peanuts. The upcoming few months and (maybe the pre-season) would provide a clear picture of what plans Flick has for the Swedish teenager.