Fabrizio Romano has once again stirred up the market with one of his exclusives: Deco has already secured a new signing for FC Barcelona.
This is Roony Bardghji, a young talent from Copenhagen, only 18 years old, considered one of the greatest prospects in European soccer.
However, far from being celebrated, this addition has caused unrest within the Barça squad, especially among the young academy players.
The locker room takes a stand: "The 18-year-old stars are already here"
According to reports, the signing hasn't been well received by the youngest footballers on the team. They see this decision as a step back in the philosophy that has guided the club in recent years: betting on the academy.
The reaction didn't take long to arrive. Players like Pedri, Fermín López, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Casadó, Héctor Fort, Gavi, Gerard Martín, or Alejandro Balde don't understand this signing.
Nor the need to sign foreign prospects. They believe there's more than enough talent at home.
"There's no need to look outside for what we already have inside," say internal voices from the team. The feeling among the young players is that bringing in footballers like Bardghji could hinder the growth of the academy players. It could also break the balance Flick aims to keep in a locker room where the young players feel like protagonists.
Unnecessary signing and risk for financial fair play
On the financial side, the move also raises doubts. Barça is fighting to comply with financial fair play rules. Bringing in a footballer for the future—who doesn't provide an immediate leap in quality—could compromise the wage bill.
It could also hinder other more urgent operations. The academy players believe that if there's room to sign, it should be used for proven players, not for young prospects who could take spots that are already well covered by homegrown talent.
Roony Bardghji: talent, yes, but with doubts
Bardghji is a left-footed striker with great dribbling, individual technique, and offensive vision. He has excelled in Danish soccer and has attracted the interest of several European giants. His signing, in principle, responds to the desire to get ahead of the market and secure a gem before he fully explodes.
With Lamine Yamal established on the right wing, Raphinha in the squad, and awaiting the arrival of Nico Williams, the signing is unnecessary. This is the feeling among the young academy footballers.
Deco and Flick have the final say
For now, the signing hasn't been made official by the club, although Romano claims the deal is advanced. Hansi Flick will have to decide whether this move fits into his project. What is clear is that the locker room, especially the young players, haven't welcomed this new addition with enthusiasm.
Barça is clear that its future depends on La Masia. If that breaks, internal problems may begin.