Barcelona have decided to postpone their pursuit of Spanish playmaker Dani Olmo until the summer of 2023 due to RB Leipzig’s € 60 million asking price.
According to AS, Barcelona have decided to put their transfer pursuit of former La Masia prospect Dani Olmo on hold until next year as they are unwilling to meet RB Leipzig’s demand for the Spaniard.
Olmo spent seven years within Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy between 2007 and 2014 after signing from local rivals Espanyol. However, he left for Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb in 2014 in search of a quicker pathway to the first team. And the decision worked well for the attacking midfielder as he quickly broke into the senior setup for the Croatian giants.
Olmo made close to 125 appearances for Dinamo Zagreb and established himself as one of the most promising young footballers in Europe, sparking interest from a plethora of European giants. RB Leipzig beat other suitors to complete his capture in January 2020. Since arriving in Germany, the 23-year-old has continued to enhance his reputation, racking up 15 goals and 18 assists in 79 matches.
Barcelona have been closely tracking the progress of their former academy man ever since and tried to re-sign him from RB Leipzig last summer. However, the German giants’ financial demands proved to be a hindrance for the Catalan heavyweights.
But, the La Liga giants have continued to hold talks with the 23-year-old Spanish international over a potential return and were considering launching a summer move for him. It is no secret that Barcelona are in the market for reinforcements in the attacking third, and Olmo would have been a fine addition at Camp Nou, considering his versatile nature.
The Spaniard can play anywhere across the frontline and could have served as a replacement for the soon-to-be free agent Ousmane Dembele on the right flank while also providing cover for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the centre-forward position. Furthermore, given his familiarity with the club’s philosophies, he would have settled well under Xavi Hernandez.
However, RB Leipzig are demanding a sum of €60 million for Olmo, a valuation that Barcelona are unwilling to meet as they have other priority additions on their agenda. It has now led to the club deciding to postpone their pursuit of the former La Masia ace until the summer of 2023 when the attacking midfielder will enter the final year of his contract.
Olmo, for his part, is believed to be keen on securing a return to Barcelona, while the current administration is also intent on making a reunion happen. But, as things stand, it might have to wait until the next year.