Premier League giants Manchester City will reportedly attempt to sign Swedish starlet Roony Bardghji from Copenhagen.
The Citizens are expected to continue their much-needed squad rebuild in the summer, one which began in January with the additions of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis for a combined fee of around £180m.
Man City's decision not to make significant changes to Pep Guardiola's ageing squad last summer has, is the eyes of many, backfired as the reigning Premier League champions have endured a disappointing campaign by their standards and are now fighting to secure Champions League football for next season.
Recruiting younger players is set to be high on the agenda for incoming sporting director Hugo Viana considering that Guardiola's current squad includes nine players over the age of 30 and three more ages 29.
While additions in defence and midfield could be prioritised in the summer depending on potential outgoings, Man City are also understood to have their eyes on strengthening their frontline ahead of next season.
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Man City plotting bargain Bardghji signing?
According to Football Insider, Man City are 'ready to sign' Copenhagen attacker Bardghji, who is set to be available for free when his contract expires at the end of December this year.
The Citizens are said to view the possibility of signing the highly-rated 19-year-old on a free transfer as a 'no-brainer' for the club.
Man City are understood to have had a long-term interest in Bardghji, who has been dubbed by some as 'the Swedish Lionel Messi'.
However, Guardiola's side may face stern competition for Bardghji's signature, as it has previously been reported that Chelsea and Manchester United are among 14 clubs keeping a close eye on the youngster.
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Who is in-demand Copenhagen teenager Bardghji?
Bardghji has established himself as one of the brightest prospects in Europe since making his senior debut for Danish champions Copenhagen in November 2021.
The attacker, who primarily operates as a right-winger, has already made 78 senior appearances for Copenhagen across all competitions before turning 20, with 11 of his 15 goals scored in 37 outings last season.
Bardghji burst onto the scene when he scored a dramatic 87th-minute winner to help Copenhagen beat Man United 4-3 in a thrilling Champions League group-stage match in August 2023.
This term, Bardghji has not made a single appearance as he has been sidelined with a serious cruciate knee ligament injury which he sustained in May last year, but he has now returned to training and continues to step up his recovery.
Bardghji was born in Kuwait City but he has represented Sweden at Under-17 and Under-21s level, featuring 10 times for the latter and scoring two goals.
Oliver Thomas
