Dani Olmo has reportedly completed his medical tests at Barcelona, edging closer to finalizing his move to the Catalan giants on a long-term contract. This development comes after Barcelona’s unsuccessful pursuit of Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, making Olmo the club’s primary transfer target for the summer. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that an agreement has been reached between Barcelona and RB Leipzig, involving a fee of €55m (£47.2m) plus €7m (£6m) in potential add-ons.
The Spain international has allegedly agreed to a six-year contract with Barcelona. Romano’s reports suggest that Olmo’s medical completion signifies the imminent confirmation of his transfer. Although a €60m (£51.5m) release clause in Olmo’s Leipzig contract expired last month, Leipzig had been reluctantly planning to sell him this summer.
Olmo’s Impactful Season and Euro 2024 Performance
Despite battling injuries during the 2023-24 campaign, Dani Olmo showcased his talent by scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 25 appearances for Leipzig across all competitions. His form carried over to Euro 2024, where he became a crucial player for Spain. Initially not in the starting XI, Olmo capitalized on Pedri’s injury to become a key figure for La Roja, scoring three goals and registering two assists in six appearances.
Dani Olmo’s performances in the knockout stages were particularly notable. He scored against Georgia, Germany, and France, and played the full 90 minutes in the final against England, contributing to Spain’s 2-1 victory. His impressive display on the international stage has undoubtedly increased his stock, making him a valuable addition to Barcelona’s squad.
The Financials of the Transfer: Breakdown of the Agreement
Leipzig initially demanded a fee close to Dani Olmo’s expired release clause, rejecting Barcelona’s opening bid. This prompted Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, to personally fly to Germany to finalize the deal. After extensive negotiations, an agreement was reached for Barcelona to pay €55 million upfront with an additional €7 million in potential add-ons, totaling €62 million.
Olmo’s commitment to returning to Barcelona is evident, as he has agreed to a six-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2030. This deal marks a significant moment in Dani Olmo’s career, as he previously left Barcelona as a teenager due to limited first-team opportunities. His return symbolizes a full-circle moment and a chance to fulfill his ambition of proving himself at one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs.
Barcelona’s Strategic Summer Signings
Dani Olmo will be the second first-team addition to Barcelona’s squad this summer, following the acquisition of Pau Victor from Girona. Barcelona’s management is strategically bolstering the squad to enhance their competitive edge for the upcoming season. Olmo’s return to Barcelona is particularly significant as he is a former La Masia trainee, marking a homecoming for the talented midfielder.
In addition to Dani Olmo, Barcelona remains active in the transfer market. Nico Williams is still on the Catalans’ agenda, and efforts are being made to re-sign Joao Cancelo on loan from Manchester City. These potential signings indicate Barcelona’s intent to build a robust and dynamic team capable of competing at the highest levels.
Implications of Olmo’s Signing for Barcelona
Dani Olmo’s signing is expected to bring a new dimension to Barcelona’s midfield. His versatility and creative prowess will be valuable assets for the team. Dani Olmo’s ability to play in multiple positions, combined with his experience and skill, will provide Barcelona with tactical flexibility and depth. The successful completion of his medicals alleviates concerns about his fitness, allowing the focus to shift to his integration into the team.
As Barcelona prepares for the new season, Dani Olmo’s addition signifies a positive step towards achieving their goals. The club’s proactive approach in the transfer market demonstrates their commitment to building a formidable squad. With Dani Olmo set to join, Barcelona fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive season ahead. The announcement of his signing is eagerly awaited and is likely to be a major highlight of Barcelona’s summer transfer activities.
Emotional Return to Barcelona for Dani Olmo
Olmo’s move to Barcelona marks a significant return to his roots. He joined Barcelona’s youth academy at the age of nine and spent seven years with the Catalan club before moving to Dinamo Zagreb at 16. Although he didn’t break into Barcelona’s first team initially, his career flourished after leaving. At Dinamo Zagreb, he scored 34 goals and provided 28 assists in 124 matches, which earned him a move to Leipzig in January 2020.
During his time with Leipzig, Dani Olmo played 148 games, scoring 29 goals and registering 34 assists, including three goals and two assists in 18 Champions League matches. His return to Barcelona is anticipated to be a significant boost for the team. Olmo could potentially make his Blaugrana debut against Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 12, followed by Barcelona’s La Liga opener against Valencia at Mestalla five days later. This emotional homecoming could see Olmo finally establish himself as a star for the club where his journey began.
