Doors open for Barcelona winger's return to the Swedish national team after absence in the World Cup

FC Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji could be on track to return to the Swedish national team. Coach Graham Potter said the 20-year-old is still being considered for future international call-ups, despite it being one of the biggest surprises when he was left off the list for the 2026 World Cup following an internal disagreement with the coaching staff and some members of the squad.

Following Sweden's elimination at the hands of France, Potter adopted a more conciliatory tone regarding the player's future. Asked about Bardghji and other young players, such as Williot Swedberg and Hugo Larsson, who were also excluded from the World Cup, Potter made it clear that none of them had been ruled out. "Now it's time to focus on September training. The door is not closed. The group worked very well during the World Cup, but it is normal for the team to evolve," said Potter, as quoted by SPORT.


These comments represent a significant change from May, when Bardghji was not even included in the provisional 50-man roster for the tournament. The player's exclusion was influenced by more than sporting reasons. Reports in Sweden indicate that tensions arose following the Swedish national team's qualifying playoff against Poland, where Bardghji did not play and was disappointed. While the rest of the group celebrated the classification, the Barcelona winger was reportedly isolated and visibly frustrated, which was interpreted internally as a lack of commitment. Furthermore, reports claim that he had confronted Potter about his lack of time on the pitch, which contributed to the coach's decision to leave him out of the squad that went to the World Cup.

Potter's comments come at a crucial time in Bardghji's career. The young winger is considering several options to leave Barcelona this summer in search of more time on the pitch, as opportunities are likely to be limited due to the presence of Lamine Yamal. Brighton & Hove Albion have emerged as one of the clubs monitoring the situation. The Premier League side are preparing for the possible departure of Yankuba Minteh and could intensify their interest in Bardghji if such a transfer goes through. Barça would be open to a transfer that includes a buy-back clause, allowing the club to maintain long-term control over a player they continue to consider one of their greatest young talents.