Brighton hold edge over Leeds United in Roony Bardghji transfer race

Brighton & Hove Albion could emerge as the favourites to sign Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji this summer, despite Leeds United having shown early interest in the Sweden international.

Reports from Spain claim Bardghji has asked to leave Barcelona in search of regular first-team football after struggling for consistent opportunities during his first season at the Camp Nou.

While Leeds have already been linked with a possible loan move, Brighton are now being tipped as the club best placed to secure his signature if conditions fall into place.

Bardghji joined Barcelona from FC Copenhagen in the summer of 2025 but has found it difficult to establish himself under Hansi Flick.

The 20-year-old featured in 28 matches across all competitions last season, although most of those appearances came from the bench. He finished the campaign with two goals and four assists in 872 minutes of football.

With Lamine Yamal firmly established as Barcelona's first-choice right winger, Bardghji believes a temporary or permanent move could offer the regular minutes needed for his development.

According to Sport, the Swedish attacker has already informed the Catalan club that he wants to leave this summer.

Although several clubs have expressed interest, Brighton's pursuit appears to depend on outgoing business.

The report claims Fabian Hurzeler's side are prepared to wait until the future of Yankuba Minteh is resolved before making a concrete move for Bardghji.

Should Minteh leave the Amex Stadium this summer, Brighton would have both the space and the financial flexibility to pursue the Barcelona winger.

Barcelona are understood to be aware of that situation and would reportedly be open to negotiating a deal that includes a buy-back clause, allowing the Spanish champions to retain long-term control over one of their brightest young talents.

Bardghji would fit the profile the club has repeatedly targeted. The Seagulls have built a reputation for signing highly-rated young players before helping them develop in the Premier League, making the move an attractive option for both player and club.

However, everything appears to hinge on Minteh's future. Without an outgoing transfer, Brighton may struggle to justify another significant investment in the wide areas.

Leeds United continue to monitor Bardghji's situation after being linked with a loan move earlier in the window.

The newly promoted side can offer the prospect of regular first-team football, something the Swedish international is believed to prioritise after a frustrating campaign in Spain.

Interest is not limited to England, however. Bundesliga side Stuttgart, Dutch giants Ajax and Portuguese club Porto have also approached Bardghji's representatives, creating strong competition for his signature.

Barcelona are under no pressure to sell, with the winger contracted until 2029, although they are prepared to sanction his departure if a suitable proposal arrives.

Brighton's next move is expected to depend on whether Yankuba Minteh leaves before the transfer window gathers pace. If that happens, the Seagulls could quickly become one of the strongest contenders for Bardghji.

Should Minteh remain at the club, Leeds United and several European sides may find themselves in a stronger position to negotiate with Barcelona as the Swedish winger continues searching for regular first-team football.

Would Roony Bardghji be better served joining Brighton's development pathway, or should he choose Leeds United for guaranteed minutes next season?