Ambitious Leeds plot shock Barcelona raid - and it makes perfect sense

Updated: 26 Jun 2026 16:52 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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Leeds United are among the clubs interested in Barcelona wonderkid Roony Bardghji.

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The Sweden international experienced a mixed first season in Catalunya. Once regarded as one of the biggest talents in Europe, Bardghji suffered an ACL injury at former club Copenhagen, which allowed Barcelona to sign him for a measly €2.5 million last summer.

Given the fee involved, there wasn't as much pressure on the 20-year-old to perform as there would have been otherwise. Once he became eligible to play, he showed flashes of brilliance, mostly as a substitute, and scored against Olympiacos in his first Champions League outing for Barcelona.

Current ETV

Roony Bardghji

F (CR), M (R)

Barcelona

Roony Bardghji

F (CR), M (R)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€16.5M - €20.1M

However, as time went on, his minutes began to dry up. He increasingly found himself as an unused substitute, and it was only towards the end of the season that he started seeing more action again.

He did not make Sweden's World Cup squad, which caused quite a stir, although it may not have been purely down to a lack of game time. Reports have suggested that Graham Potter has been unimpressed with Bardghji's attitude when he hasn't played.

Bardghji to... Leeds?

According to Mundo Deportivo, Bardghji is "expected to leave" Barcelona on loan this summer in a bid to get regular minutes under his belt. Premier League clubs, most notably Leeds, have expressed an interest.

However, the Spanish outlet insists that no offers have thus far arrived for Bardghji, and it is also doubtful whether Leeds will indeed formalise their interest in the young attacker. That's because they have agreed a deal for departing Fulham winger Harry Wilson to join on a free transfer.

There does not appear to be a pressing need to sign players for that position anymore. That said, it could still prove to be a shrewd acquisition, especially if a purchase option can be agreed.

Barcelona would naturally be reluctant to agree to this, but they generally don't pass up opportunities for a quick profit, which Bardaghji would undoubtedly represent, given the minimal fee it took to sign him.

According to data analytics firm SciSports, the young attacker would be an ideal fit for Daniel Farke's side. As per SciSports' Career Advice tool, which analyses factors such as development prospects, game time and tactical suitability, Leeds and Aston Villa are his best Premier League options.

Both have a good Club Fit rating of 80 out of 100, putting them also among his best overall options. Only Inter, Marseille, Bayern, Dortmund and AC Milan have a higher score for Bardghji.

Leeds receive top marks in the playing style category and also have a higher playing time rating, but of course, this could change once Wilson's signing is made official. As of right now, though, Bardghji would be a really sensible transfer for Leeds.

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