Barcelona sporting director Deco has explained why the club moved for Roony Bardghji despite the winger’s recovery from a serious injury. The 19-year-old, dubbed the ‘Swedish Messi’, was signed to provide depth behind Lamine Yamal, with Deco comparing the pair’s profiles while stressing the deal was a long-monitored opportunity.
Barca’s ‘Swedish Messi’ gamble
Barca’s summer transfer strategy included an unexpected move for the 19-year-old winger, who joined from Copenhagen despite concerns about his recovery from a major injury. Speaking in a detailed interview with , sporting director Deco confirmed the signing was not a rushed decision but part of a longer scouting process. The Swede, who has already debuted at Montjuic, has been labelled a player with “similar” qualities to Lamine Yamal, capable of linking play and bringing creativity to the attack.
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'similar to Lamine' – Deco explains Barca's decision
Deco dismissed the idea that Barca were taking an emotional risk, instead framing the signing as a market opportunity. “Roony was a player we've been monitoring for a while,” Deco said. “Our idea isn't to go to the market if we already have the players at home. But we apply a work-based approach, not an emotional one. We agreed with the manager that we needed a young player for that position.”
He went on to compare the winger to Barcelona’s teenage star, adding: “We had Dani Rodríguez for that position, but Dani got injured, and he's a different profile than Roony, who's more similar to Lamine, who comes in and links up.”
A talent spotted early
The Barca director stressed that Bardghji had been tracked before his injury setback. Deco revealed: “He was a player we were monitoring, but he got injured and returned to action in March. He hadn't played much, but he was a talented player, and it was a market opportunity. We knew the agent, and since his contract was almost up, it was a simpler deal. Plus, he's only 19 years old and has a lot of potential.”
This insight highlights that Barcelona were convinced by his technical profile and the reduced cost of the deal, which made the move possible despite his fitness history.
Getty Images SportBardghji's early impressions, but tough challenge ahead for Barca
Bardghji has already felt the intensity of Barcelona’s stage, featuring in the league clash against Real Sociedad at Montjuic. The Kuwaiti-born forward, often compared stylistically to Lionel Messi in his youth, admitted to being impressed by the atmosphere and expectations surrounding the team. For now, however, Hansi Flick has rotated other players ahead of him, underlining the adaptation process required for a teenager stepping into elite-level football.
Barca’s immediate focus is the Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, a clash that could define their European campaign. For Bardghji, the road ahead will involve proving himself as a reliable deputy for Yamal while gradually earning Flick’s trust. With Deco insisting the signing was part of a long-term vision, the Swede remains a player earmarked for future impact rather than instant stardom.