FC Barcelona has announced its biggest summer signing thus far via its official website and social … [+]
FC Barcelona has announced its biggest summer signing thus far via a statement sent to the press on Friday afternoon.
“FC Barcelona and RB Leipzig have reached an agreement for the transfer of Dani Olmo.
“The player has signed a contract with the Club for the next six seasons, until June 30, 2030, and the [release] clause is set at €500 million,” the statement read.
Alongside his fellow Euro 2024 winner Nico Williams, Olmo has been Barca’s main transfer target this summer after also being linked to his boyhood club in past windows.
He played an integral part in La Roja’s record fourth Euros win in his now former adopted homeland Germany, which is where the forward was the joint Golden Boot winner for the most goals and also made a vital clearance off the line during the 2-1 final win over England.
After reports from the likes of SPORT spread on Barca not being able to match RB Leipzig’s asking price, it was thought that as with Nico, an approach for Olmo might also be dead in the water.
This week, however, Sporting Director Deco flew to the German club’s city to meet with the player, his father, and agents determined to hash out a deal with Leipzig.
Fabrizio Romano reported that the Portuguese had managed to get something over the line by tweeting: “Dani Olmo to Barca, here we go! Verbal agreement in place after key mission in Leipzig for Barca [sporting] director Deco.”
Romano added that the transfer consists of $60 million (€55 million) in fixed money and $7.6 million (€7 million) in add-ons, which were the “main part [that was] difficult to reach” an agreement on.
The transfer market expert’s report has proven true a few days later, and Olmo is now set to be revealed as a new Barca player at an offical presentation.
Among fans and journalists, there are some doubts as to where Olmo will play under head coach Hansi Flick, who is a known admirer of the 26-year-old.
Some see Olmo taking the vacant left wing spot that Ferran Torres and Joao Felix failed to nail down last season, while others believe he will challenge Pedri and Gavi when they return to action – for an attacking midfield berth.
One thing is for sure, Flick has already indicated that he doesn’t want any more men for the centre of the park.
“We have several injured midfielders with great quality. When they come back we’ll be a better team and I think I’ve got enough players there,” the German said, following the last friendly of the US preseason tour against AC Milan.
All being well, Olmo could make his debut in the Joan Gamper Trophy match on Monday which sees Barca host AS Monaco at the Montjuic Stadium.
