Barcelona sporting director Deco has revealed why the club signed Roony Bardghji despite the winger’s recovery from a serious injury.
The 19-year-old, nicknamed the “Swedish Messi,” was brought in from Copenhagen to provide depth behind Lamine Yamal, with Deco stressing that the deal was part of a long-term scouting plan rather than an emotional gamble.
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“Roony was a player we’ve been monitoring for a while,” Deco told Mundo Deportivo. “Our idea isn’t to go to the market if we already have players at home, but we agreed with the manager that we needed a young player for that position. It wasn’t emotional, it was work-based.”
Deco highlighted that Bardghji shares “similar” qualities with Yamal, particularly in linking play and adding creativity, and noted that injuries to other youngsters, like Dani Rodríguez, opened up the opportunity.
He also underlined the financial logic, pointing out the winger’s contract situation made the deal easier.
“He was injured but returned in March. He hadn’t played much, but he’s a talented player and it was a market opportunity. He’s only 19 years old and has a lot of potential,” Deco added.
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Bardghji has already debuted at Montjuic against Real Sociedad, though Hansi Flick is easing him into action as he adapts to elite-level football.
For now, Barcelona’s focus is on the Champions League clash with PSG, while Bardghji works to prove himself as a reliable deputy for Yamal.