After dominating Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy… Hansi Flick drops a bombshell: Expelling a Barcelona star from the starting lineup!

Barcelona’s emphatic 5-0 win over Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy was supposed to be a night of celebration, confidence, and unity ahead of the demanding season that lies ahead. The Camp Nou faithful were treated to an exhibition of attacking flair and defensive solidity, with Hansi Flick’s men sending a clear message that they are ready to challenge for silverware on all fronts.

The fixture was more than just a pre-season formality—it was a final rehearsal before the La Liga curtain-raiser. Barcelona’s intensity, sharp movement, and clinical finishing reflected the work done during their Asian tour, where they impressed both tactically and physically. However, while the collective performance drew praise, there was one glaring disappointment that overshadowed the night for some inside the club.

That disappointment came in the form of Ronnie Bardji’s subdued display. Once hailed as one of the brightest young prospects in Barcelona’s ranks, Bardji burst onto the scene with dazzling technical ability, composure on the ball, and an eye for goal. His early matches hinted at a player destined to be a Camp Nou regular. But as the months passed, his impact began to fade, and against Como, his struggles were on full display.

Bardji seemed out of rhythm, failing to influence the game despite being given ample minutes. His touches lacked conviction, his passing was hesitant, and he offered little of the spark that once made him a fan favorite. With competition for places heating up—especially from prodigy Lamine Yamal—his spot in the starting XI has come under serious threat.

Hansi Flick did not mince his words after the match. The German coach, known for his high standards and direct communication style, expressed clear disappointment with Bardji’s recent performances. In Flick’s view, the best course of action for the player’s development might not be continuing in the current environment.

This has led to growing speculation that Bardji could be loaned out before the summer transfer window closes. Such a move, Flick reportedly believes, would allow the youngster to gain valuable minutes, rebuild his confidence, and return to Barcelona a more complete player. Several La Liga clubs are said to be monitoring the situation closely, seeing an opportunity to acquire a talented player in need of a fresh start.

The timing of this decision is striking. Bardji only joined Barcelona last year in a €2 million deal that was widely considered a bargain for his potential. The hope was that he would develop into a long-term asset for the team. Yet, football at the top level is unforgiving, and patience can run short when performances fail to meet expectations.

If the loan deal materializes, it will serve as both a challenge and an opportunity for Bardji. A strong season elsewhere could reignite his career and prove to Flick and the Barcelona hierarchy that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. On the other hand, failure to impress could accelerate his permanent exit from the club.

The situation also sends a clear message to the rest of the squad: under Flick, no player’s position is guaranteed. Reputation and past promise mean little without consistent performances. The competition within the Barcelona dressing room is fierce, and with emerging talents like Yamal, Ferran Jutglà, and others pushing for minutes, underperformers risk being left behind.

For now, Bardji’s fate hangs in the balance. The next few weeks will be decisive in determining whether he remains part of Barcelona’s plans for the upcoming season—or whether his journey at Camp Nou will take an unexpected detour. One thing is certain: Flick’s decision has added an extra layer of intrigue to Barcelona’s final transfer window moves.