Door open for Barcelona winger to return to national team plans after World Cup snub

Door open for Barcelona winger to return to national team plans after World Cup snub FC Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji could soon return to the Sweden national team after head coach Graham Potter indicated that the 20-year-old remains in contention for future international call-ups. Bardghji was one of the biggest surprises omitted from Sweden’s 2026 World Cup squad following an internal disagreement with the coaching staff and members of the dressing room. However, after Sweden’s elimination by France, Potter adopted a far more conciliatory tone regarding the player’s future. Door open for Bardghji Asked about Bardghji and fellow young players Williot Swedberg and Hugo Larsson, who were also left out of the World Cup squad, Potter made it clear that none of them have been ruled out. “Now it’s time to focus on the September training camp. The door is not closed. The group worked very well during the World Cup, but it’s normal for the squad to evolve,” Potter said, as quoted by SPORT . Graham Potter opens the door for Bardghji. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) “That’s football. The door is open, and we’ll see what happens.” His comments represent a significant shift from May, when Bardghji was not even included in Sweden’s provisional 50-man squad for the tournament. Bardghjis’ controversial omission Bardghji’s exclusion was influenced by more than footballing reasons. As per reports in Sweden , tensions arose following the national team’s World Cup qualifying play-off against Poland. The Barcelona winger did not feature in the match and was unhappy afterwards. While the rest of the squad celebrated qualification for the World Cup, Bardghji allegedly remained isolated and visibly frustrated, behaviour that was interpreted internally as a lack of commitment to the team. Bardghji was left out of the Sweden squad. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images) Reports also claimed that he confronted Potter over his lack of playing time, an incident that ultimately contributed to the coach’s decision to leave him out of the World Cup squad. A crucial summer ahead Potter’s comments arrive at a pivotal moment in Bardghji’s career. The young winger is weighing several options to leave Barcelona this summer in search of regular first-team football, with opportunities expected 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 step up their interest in Bardghji if that move materialises. Barça are understood to be open to a transfer that includes a buy-back clause, allowing the club to retain long-term control over a player they continue to regard as one of their most promising young talents.