Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly considering a move to sign up Copenhagen’s wonderkid Roony Bardghji just days after his late winner hit Man United’s Champions League hopes.
Roony Bardghji – who turns 18 on Wednesday – came off the bench for the Danish side to score their late winner against Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils in midweek.
The teen star has attracted interest from across the continent, with Premier League sides and German, French and Spanish clubs among those thought to be circling the Swedish under-21 midfielder.
The Sun report that Ratcliffe’s Ligue 1 side Nice are among those primed to try and attract Bardghji to their ranks – at the same time as the British billionaire is on the cusp of purchasing a 25 per cent stake in Man United and taking control of football operations at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe’s INEOS group brought Nice in 2019 from Chien Lee, a Chinese-American entrepreneur, two years after purchasing Swiss side Lausanne-Sport.
Copenhagen’s wonderkid Roony Bardghji has attracted interest from clubs across Europe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ligue 1 club Nice are among those considering bids for the 17-year-old
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Premier League clubs Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are also watching Bardghji and considering bids.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax are other European heavyweights who have sent scouts to Copenhagen to watch the young star.
Copenhagen will probably seek a summer sale, especially if they qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League, as they currently sit second in the group, with Man United rooted to the bottom with just three points from four games.
Bardghji, who has 11 goals from 24 games this season, has been valued at around 100million kroner (£7.3m), but he could sign an improved contract with Copenhagen once he turns 18.
He was born in Kuwait City to a Syrian family, before moving to Sweden as a child, where he played for a number of youth sides, before signing for Copenhagen’s academy in 2020, becoming their youngest ever player the following year.
Bardghji sent a well-taken half-volley beyond Man United goalkeeper Andre Onana in the 87th minute on Wednesday night to push Copenhagen 4-3 up on the night, after being two goals down before the first-half dismissal of Marcus Rashford.
Ratcliffe is thought to be close to confirming his stake in Man United, and has earmarked £245m to improve the club’s infrastructure, although this will not involve the construction of a new stadium.
Roony’s shot was struck down into the ground before bouncing beyond keeper Andre Onana
