"Sometimes, the best decision is to focus on the present and not rush into things."

BarcelonaThe current economic situation at Barça means they have to keep an eye on their youth academy –Clara Serrajordi, Aicha Camara either Carla Julià—but also those loaned players who can return and earn a place in the first team, such as Giulia Dragoni and Emilia Szymczak. The Italian midfielder is one of the names that has been speculated to potentially end her loan to Roma this winter transfer window and return due to Aitana Bonmatí's injury. The director responsible for the women's team, Xavi Puig, hinted at this on 3Cat before playing the last Champions League match in Paris in December: "The technical staff is working on this and I think it's an ideal time to consider many things. We're very clear about it and perhaps we'll have to consider a move for the team."

Words that, weeks later, however, he qualified in an interview in Sport"With Aitana's injury, we're considering some things, but they're not concrete plans. We have the problems of..." fair play"It depends on external bodies, and we're working on it. We'll go all the way to see if it's possible to sign someone in January." The days are passing, and the transfer window closes this Friday (at 11:59 p.m.), seemingly without any moves planned. "In January, we haven't focused on making any moves or speculating, but rather on Dragoni's happiness and daily work. Sometimes, the best decision for a young talent is to focus on the present and not rush into anything," Alessandro Orlandi, founder of the Italian women's football agency Assist Women and the midfielder's representative, told ARA.

An injury cuts short the progression

The progress of Dragoni – described in Italy as a great prospect – was halted last April after a rupture of the deltoid ligament in his right ankle. This injury sidelined him for almost six months. On October 4th, he returned to action in the 4-0 rout of Parma, scoring in just nine minutes. "The injury was a difficult moment; he's young and wants to play every game, but he handled it in the best possible way. He worked seriously, with patience and discipline, and now he's fully recovered and stronger both physically and mentally," says Orlandi. His agent adds that the process has helped him grow professionally, understand his body better, and become more resilient: "It's been another step in his development, not a setback."

After another loan spell at Roma, where she already played during the 2024-25 season, Dragoni continues to gain experience in Italy. So far, she has participated in all eleven league matches Roma has played this season, starting five of them, and has scored four goals. She also played in all six Champions League group stage matches, finishing with one goal and a 90.5% pass accuracy. "In Rome, she has found a club that believes in her and an environment that allows her to grow responsibly. She is happy because she feels involved, respected, and has daily challenges, which is what she needs right now. She is a very mature player," Orlandi explains.

In the summer, she will return to Barcelona, ​​and the club and player will have to make a decision regarding her future. Dragoni – who has a contract with Barça until 2027 – already knows what it's like to wear the Blaugrana colors. In the 2023-24 season, she played ten matches under Jonatan Giráldez, scoring one goal. "Her goal is to work every day at the highest level to be ready to return to Barça and be an important player. Everything she's doing now is part of a journey to grow by gaining experience, consistency, and playing significant minutes. We believe in long-term projects, and Barça is an important destination for her future," her agent stated. The Italian footballer is already part of Barça history after becoming the first foreign player to reside at La Masia in January 2023 – at just 16 years old.