Dani Olmo’s return to FC Barcelona from RB Leipzig was meant to signal new beginnings, but it has instead led to uncertainty and turmoil for the Spanish talent. After signing for 55 million euros on August 9, Olmo found himself ensnared in registration issues with LaLiga, leaving his playing prospects clouded as he awaits resolution on his current status.
Barcelona’s management has decided to take legal action against LaLiga, stating the bureaucratic problems have hampered their ability to utilize the European champion. Coach Hansi Flick remains hopeful about Olmo's situation improving, but the reality is stark. Unless circumstances change drastically, Olmo's future appears to be bleak.
The stakes are especially high for Barcelona. Due to contractual clauses, Olmo is now allowed to leave the club on a free transfer, even though he has not actively pursued this option yet. Despite the loyalty and emotional connection he has with Barcelona, multiple clubs have expressed interest, including the long-time admirers from Bavaria, FC Bayern Munich.
Interestingly, the interest from Bayern isn't new. According to reports, they made their first move for Olmo back in 2020. At the time, they were outmaneuvered by Leipzig, who secured his talents sooner. Last summer, Bayern's name reappeared as the talented Spaniard opted to join Barcelona, where he eventually settled as a key player after overcoming injury challenges.
Max Eberl, Bayern's sporting director, is particularly intrigued by the situation. Eberl worked with Olmo during his tenure at RB Leipzig and holds a complete appreciation of the player's capabilities. A source close to the situation disclosed to SPORT1 about how Bayern is watching the developments closely and awaiting any signals from the Olmo camp, but they currently haven't made concrete steps.
Why the hesitation? One reason lies within Bayern’s own complex roster situation. Contracts for key players like Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, Manuel Neuer, Leroy Sané, and Thomas Müller are all set to expire at the end of the season. Prioritizing negotiations with Jamal Musiala, who provides depth as he shares playing positions with Olmo, adds another layer to Bayern's decision-making process. There is simply not enough space for both, should Olmo commit to Bayern.
Emotionally, any departure from Barcelona will be challenging for Olmo. The club is not just any team for him; it’s his childhood dream club. Making the switch elsewhere, especially to Bayern, which doesn’t hold the same allure for him, may prove difficult. Regardless of professional pressures, Olmo’s sentiments reflect deep-rooted connections to Barcelona.
This conundrum is compounded by the fact Bayern’s interests might have been pushed aside temporarily due to their internal dynamics, which are still undergoing significant restructuring. Olmo, meanwhile, remains caught in this web of speculation as all parties assess their next moves.
The future remains uncertain, but it seems clear: should Olmo decide to leave Barcelona, the interest from Bayern is poised to resurrect, reigniting the transfer saga from years past.