“Top player” – Leeds aims for big move to sign Barcelona star after landing Harry Wilson transfer
Leeds United are reportedly keen on signing a Barcelona star this summer after successfully signing Harry Wilson.
The Wales international, Wilson, will become a free agent when his Fulham contract ends at the end of the month and has chosen to join Leeds at Elland Road. Aston Villa and Everton were also interested in the 29-year-old, but he decided on Leeds, signing a lucrative long-term deal that shows the club’s strong ambition.
Having secured their Premier League survival, Leeds want to climb higher in the table next season and believe bold moves in the transfer market could pay off. Daniel Farke’s team is also looking to bring in Borussia Dortmund forward Julian Brandt, who becomes a free agent this month, and they’re in talks with Southampton about signing star midfielder Shea Charles.
The most exciting possible signing might be a Barcelona forward, though, as Leeds are linked with Roony Bardghji. Bardghji joined Barcelona last summer from Copenhagen amid lots of excitement but has struggled to get much playing time due to tough competition up front.
The 20-year-old winger mainly plays on the right and competes directly with Lamine Yamal for a starting spot. So, it’s not surprising Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for him this summer. Leeds is one of the clubs interested in giving Bardghji a fresh chance outside Camp Nou.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona is focusing on selling players this summer and sees Leeds as a potential new home for the young winger. Bardghji likely won’t lack offers if he leaves, but Barcelona would rather loan him out first instead of a full sale.
Bardghji signed a four-year contract last July for €2 million, so Barcelona is hesitant to let him go so soon. Still, since they paid a relatively small fee, selling him could be a good way to make some profit on a player who isn’t a regular starter.
Barça’s coach, Hansi Flick, said in April, “Roony is a fantastic professional. The situation isn’t easy for him. He’s hoping for more playing time. Sometimes it’s like that; he has one of the best players ahead of him. He’s an extraordinary player, and he’s improved a lot. I’ll talk with him at the end of the season. Everyone is important, and we need to keep them motivated.”
Barcelona needs to raise funds after signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £69.3 million (€80m) last month. They’ve already sold Iñaki Peña to Panathinaikos and are expected to sell Ansu Fati to AS Monaco soon. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen may also leave, and they want to cash in on Marc Casadó.
Bardghji is very talented but still young and raw. In his first season at Barcelona, he scored two goals and made four assists in 28 substitute appearances.