Nico Williams snub & money problems lead Barcelona to make 'experiment' signing of 19-year-old star

Barcelona are set to complete the signing of highly rated Swedish winger Roony Bardghji from FC Copenhagen for a reported fee of just €3 million, but uncertainty remains over the role the 19-year-old will play under new head coach Hansi Flick.

The deal, according to AS, is nearing completion and represents a strategic pivot for the Catalan club after their failed pursuit of Spain international Nico Williams, who opted to renew his contract with Athletic Club. With tight financial constraints and La Liga’s rigid 1:1 spending rule limiting their spending power, Barcelona have turned to cost-effective, high-upside players like Bardghji to reinforce the squad.

Bardghji, long regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects, is currently recovering from a serious ACL injury.

Once valued significantly higher, his current availability at a bargain price has prompted Barça to move swiftly to beat competition from other interested European clubs.

Despite the club’s eagerness to secure the player, it remains unclear whether Bardghji will be integrated immediately into the first team or develop further with Barça Atlètic.

Sources say Hansi Flick will personally evaluate the teenager’s fitness and readiness during preseason before determining his placement.

With the departures of Ansu Fati and Pau Víctor, and the collapse of the Williams deal, there is an open window of opportunity in Barça’s wide attacking roles.

However, given Bardghji’s recovery timeline, he may need time before competing at full throttle.

Barcelona’s current transfer window has been shaped more by pragmatism than by blockbuster ambition. Big-money moves for players like Luis Díaz or Marcus Rashford are unlikely without significant outgoings.

As such, the club is expected to make more “experimental” signings, banking on potential rather than star power. The acquisition of Bardghji fits this profile perfectly, a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay dividends if he rediscovers form and fitness.

With the club’s economic leeway still tied to ongoing negotiations over player sales and wage bill reductions, Bardghji’s signing could symbolise the broader strategy guiding Barcelona’s 2025 summer window: youth, potential, and financial prudence.