Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji has suffered yet another severe knee injury, ending hopes of a summer move away from Camp Nou.
After joining the reigning La Liga champions last summer from Danish side F.C. København for €2 million ($2.35 million), the now 20-year-old ultimately appeared in just 28 games, of which he started 10, helping his side win the La Liga crown as well as the Supercopa de España.
Scoring just two goals and adding eight assists during his debut campaign in Spain, all signs pointed to the Swedish international heading elsewhere this summer, especially following the signings of England star Anthony Gordon and Germany international Karim Adeyemi.
Recently dropped from Barcelona’s preseason squad, Leeds United, Sunderland, Brighton and Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Juventus, Marseille, Ajax, and FC Porto were all linked with the promising youngster, as per Sport Witness.
Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick admitted that he had advised both Bardghji and Marc Casadó to seek new homes.
“The situation with Casadó and Roony isn’t easy for me, but decisions have to be made,” he said, via Barca Blaugranes. “I spoke with them at the end of last season and also in England, I explained the situation and gave them my advice.”
However, during a training session on Monday, Bardghji suffered what has turned out to be an ACL tear in his right knee - the same injury he suffered two years ago, as per ESPN. Barcelona has now confirmed that he is set to “undergo surgery in the coming days.”
In a post on social media, Barcelona captioned an image stating “Reliance always rises” with, “We are with you every step of the way, Roony. Stay strong.”
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Bardghji, who is under contract with the Catalan club through the summer of 2029, will now have to wait to see where his long-term future lies.
As for Casadó, the 22-year-old former La Masia star and two-time Spanish international could end up making the move to Saudi Arabia, with both Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal said to be keen to secure his signature, via Goal.
Since making his senior debut in 2022, the diminutive midfielder has made 75 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions, winning two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España twice.
With Bardghji and Casadó no longer in his plans, Flick will move forward with new signings Gordon, Adeyemi, and Jesse Bisiwu, who have set the side back a combined €100.5 million ($116 million). They have also been heavily linked with a move for Manchester City’s Rodri, with the Spain captain currently set to enter the final year of his contract with the Premier League side.
Enzo Maresca’s side is said to have placed a £60 million ($80.9 million) price tag on the Ballon d’Or winner, with Real Madrid having also previously shown interest in the 2026 FIFA World Cup winner.
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
