Cash-strapped Barcelona to miss out on €15m wonderkid

Tom Weber

• Updated: 2 Jan 2024 11:55 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona appear set to miss out on Swedish wonderkid Lucas Bergvall due to their ongoing financial problems, according to a report.

The Blaugrana remain strapped for cash. Though they did manage to bring €61 million Vitor Roque in for January, this deal will have likely ruined any hopes of more high-profile permanent arrivals for this transfer window. Unless Barcelona sell some players such as Aston Villa loanee Clement Lenglet or Oriol Romeo, it is unlikely that any more major signings will be made.

The club's lack of resources is not just an issue for the present but also for the future. Barcelona remain very attentive to any up-and-coming talents all across the world, but they are finding it increasingly difficult to afford to sign them. Case in point: Lucas Bergvall.

The 17-year-old Swedish wonderkid is a player greatly admired by the Catalan hierarchy, yet despite being relatively affordable at €15m, the youngster appears to be unattainable for the LaLiga giants.

Barcelona can't afford Bergvall

That's at least according to Sport, which claims that Barca have been forced to cool their interest in Bergvall due to Djurgarden's €15 asking price. Barcelona reportedly contacted the 17-year-old several months ago and were greeted with a positive response: he would be very keen to line up in their famous colours.

However, a deal is unlikely to materialise at this stage. Barcelona simply lack the necessary funds right now and time is not on their side. The longer they wait, the more expensive Bergvall will become.

Djurgarden reportedly already rejected a €5m offer from Udinese and Inter are said to be "moving and accelerating" their pursuit of the youngster. The central midfielder is quickly slipping from Barcelona's grasp.

The teenager played 25 Allsvenskan games for Djurgarden in the 2023 season after bursting onto the scene in the second division with Brommapojkarna the year before.