Sunderland have enjoyed a remarkable rise, securing a seventh-place Premier League finish and earning a place in next season’s Europa League proper.
Manager Regis Le Bris has spoken candidly about the need for greater squad depth, citing “three to four” new additions required on top of the existing options.
The Black Cats scored just 42 Premier League goals this season, registering an xG of 43.14, among the lowest attacking returns in the division.
While a frontman to challenge Brian Brobbey remains a priority, adding creative quality in wide areas appears equally important for Le Bris’ setup.
According to Sports Boom, Sunderland are among several clubs pursuing Barcelona youngster Roony Bardghji, who is seeking more regular playing time this summer.
Barcelona value the Sweden international at £22m, and there appears to be little resistance from the Catalan club if that figure is met.
Aston Villa and Leeds United are currently leading the chase, but Sunderland have the lure of Europa League football and a clear pathway to a starring role.
Hailed as a “world-class talent” from his formative days by football scout Jacek Kulig, Bardghji possesses the pace, physicality, and flair to thrive in the Premier League.
Since joining Barcelona from Copenhagen as a teenager, Bardghji has featured just 28 times for the club, contributing two goals and four assists.
The 20-year-old was not selected by Graham Potter for the World Cup, which underlines the need for him to secure consistent minutes at club level.
Bardghji’s natural gifts are not in question, but greater consistency is required if he is to fulfil the enormous potential that scouts have long identified in him.
Sunderland’s own Chris Rigg started just 11 Premier League games this season yet has firmly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in English football.
Rigg represents exactly how a developing prospect should approach nailing down a starting position, but Bardghji’s ceiling could surpass even that of the Wearside star.
Landing Bardghji would give Le Bris a dynamic right-sided option capable of providing the creativity and attacking spark Sunderland have lacked this season.
If the deal is completed, Sunderland could enter the 2026/27 campaign with genuine ambition to build on what has already been a stunning period of progress under Le Bris.