Barcelona are keen on bringing Dani Olmo to the club in the summer, with Xavi Hernandez identifying the RB Leipzig star as a key addition.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are keeping tabs on Dani Olmo ahead of making a summer approach for the RB Leipzig attacker. Manager Xavi Hernandez is reportedly keen on adding the Spanish international to his attacking setup. But the Catalan giants may have to sell before they buy any further talents, giving Manchester United an advantage in his pursuit.
Barcelona spent significantly last summer to reinforce several areas of their squad. However, not every investment has proven correct. There were some questionable decisions after big money was spent on Robert Lewandowski, 34, and Raphinha, 25, with the duo starting the season brightly.
Similarly, they spent €55 million on Ferran Torres in January. But the Spanish attacker has failed to live up to expectations. Those investments have significantly dented Barcelona’s coffers. So the club could make big sales before entering the market for new players.
They are continually linked with high-profile players such as Joao Felix, although there are doubts about whether they can pull off such deals. Barcelona are also seeking meaningful transfers that have less of an impact on their finances and could improve the team significantly.
One of those is Dani Olmo, the RB Leipzig attacker and a target for Manchester United. The 24-year-old has not been having the best seasons in Germany, although that was still deemed enough to feature at the 2022 FIFA World Cup for Spain. He scored one and assisted another before Luis Enrique’s side crashed out of the Round of 16 stage against Morocco on penalties.
Olmo is slowly getting phased out of the RB Leipzig side, as his influence has reduced drastically this season. Moreover, the interest from Barcelona could tempt him to return to Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez reportedly views the Spanish international as a potentially vital cog in his system and could urge the club into approaching.
Barcelona were earlier linked with a January move, but the Catalan giants do not have the finances to broker a deal next month. While the report insists on a summer move, the Blaugrana may still have to sell significantly to make moves happen, including Olmo. The Spanish international also has significant interest from English clubs like Manchester United, alongside Real Madrid in Spain.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are already considering the futures of Ferran Torres and even Raphinha. And the duo’s sale would generate plenty of funds for players like Olmo. The Leipzig attacker remains contracted until 2024, allowing Barcelona to broker a reasonable deal in the summer. But Barcelona’s financial woes give Manchester United a window of opportunity to swoop in and sign Olmo.
Olmo could become an important player under Xavi, whose attacking style could unlock the Leipzig star’s potential. He could have a similar impact that he has with Spain. He will also play with some of his national teammates, which would only benefit all parties. But it will be interesting to see if Manchester United beat Barcelona to the 24-year-old.
