Barcelona's Summer Star Could Vanish Before Even Playing His First Match
Barcelona find themselves racing against time and La Liga's stringent financial rules as they attempt to secure Roony Bardghji's registration for senior squad action this campaign.
The Swedish youngster arrived as an unexpected summer signing from FC Copenhagen for just €2.5 million ($2.9 million), significantly under market price for comparable emerging talents. Bardghji represented exceptional value because he had let his deal with the Danish club enter its final half-year period.
The attacking talent stood out as one of the most impressive performers during the team's preseason preparations, yet remains sidelined for the opening two La Liga matches due to registration complications. Similar to Gerard Martín and Wojciech Szczęsny, Bardghji holds Barcelona player status but cannot participate in competitive matches until officially registered.
Since Barcelona have essentially abandoned efforts to satisfy La Liga's requirements, Bardghji and his fellow unregistered teammates can only join the active roster if additional salary cap space becomes available.
This predicament is troublingly characterized as "complex" by SPORT, with Barcelona confronting a "genuine time crunch" to resolve Bardghji's status ahead of the Sep. 1 deadline.
Barcelona reportedly desire to retain the promising teenager in Catalonia, though confidence remains limited. Flick has reportedly "shifted from frustration to acceptance," according to AS. Bardghji himself appears more optimistic, per Mundo Deportivo, though whether this reflects genuine hope or wishful thinking is unclear.
Clear pathways exist for Martín and Szczęsny to join Barcelona's active squad. Oriol Romeu's anticipated contract termination should create space for Martín's inclusion, while an expected extension for Iñaki Peña would secure his goalkeeper colleague's squad position. Bardghji's situation lacks such clarity.
The 19-year-old featured for the reserve side this past weekend, converting a Panenka spot-kick to secure a 3–2 victory. Whether he'll accept spending the coming months in Segunda RFEF, Spain's expansive fourth division, remains uncertain.
Bardghji cannot even secure a loan move. Spanish football regulations mandate player registration with a club before any temporary or permanent transfer arrangements.