Flick wants to keep 19-year-old Barcelona winger amid important offers for January

Roony Bardghji was a personal bet from FC Barcelona sporting director Deco, with the winger arriving as one of only three summer signings this year.

The Blaugrana signed the 19-year-old winger from FC Copenhagen for a fee of around €2.5 million and incorporated him into the first-team dynamics, even though he has a reserve team number.

However, minutes have not been entirely forthcoming for the Swedish international in the first half of the season.

Debate over Bardghji’s future

As such, SPORT reports that Bardghji’s reduced involvement in the Barcelona first-team setup has sparked an internal debate about his future, as he needs regular playing time.

The publication states that there are ‘several important loan offers’ on the table for the winger for January, but no decision has been made yet.

Stuttgart and FC Porto are closely monitoring his situation and would be willing to cover his full salary. However, for now, Barça manager Hansi Flick is in favour of keeping him at the club.

Limited role

So far in his debut campaign with the Blaugrana, Bardghji has played only 188 minutes across eight matches in all competitions, with one assist to his name.

Bardghji was already aware that breaking into Barcelona’s first team would be difficult. His natural position is right winger, the same as Lamine Yamal, meaning opportunities would be limited.

A majority of the Swede’s appearances have come due to injuries within the squad or as a substitute in second halves, but his involvement has become increasingly rare. Against Elche, he only played three minutes, despite the team comfortably leading 3-1.

Barcelona are pleased with his professionalism, and the coaching staff value his potential. But the return of Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, along with the upcoming recovery of Raphinha, will make competition for attacking spots even tougher.

With a fully fit forward line, Bardghji is expected to have very limited opportunities.

Meeting to assess situation

A few weeks ago, Bardghji’s representatives met with Deco to discuss the player’s situation.

Relations between both parties remain positive, and Barcelona reiterated their long-term confidence in him, but also made clear that the youngster must earn his minutes through performance and hard work in training.

The conversation also covered future plans. As mentioned already, Flick does not want any departures in January, making a move unlikely for now.

With two months left before the winter transfer window, Barcelona will continue to assess his situation, and a decision will be made later on.