Hansi Flick gets his dream player. The transfer of European champion Dani Olmo to FC Barcelona is practically perfect after several weeks of courtship and negotiations. Confirmation is still awaited from the Catalans. However, Olmo himself has already said goodbye to RB Leipzig via Instagram: "Thank you for letting me be part of the @rbleipzig journey. I will always carry you in my heart."
The Saxon Bundesliga club is losing one of its top players. "A young club, a young player... we grew together, we won our first titles and we made history together," Olmo continued: "Two trophies and the Super Cup are just a few of many moments that I will always carry with me." However, Olmo's departure had been apparent since the European Championships at the latest, where he was one of the most noticeable players for the European Championship winners Spain.
Breakthrough in negotiations at the start of the week
The 26-year-old attacking player will sign a contract with FC Barcelona that is set to run until June 30, 2030. According to media reports, the transfer fee is set at 55 million euros. A further seven million euros are to be paid in additional payments for the Catalans. Olmos' contract in Leipzig, where he has played since January 2020, would have been valid until the end of June 2027.
The managers of FC Barcelona and RB Leipzig had been unable to agree on a transfer until the deadline in mid-July with a fixed transfer fee of 60 million euros. However, Olmo and his advisor came to Leipzig on Monday, as did Barcelona's sporting director Deco. They landed in Barcelona on Wednesday and, according to media reports, the injury-prone professional passed the medical check on the same day. He arrived at the club's premises on Friday to sign the contract.
Olmo is considered the player of choice for both Flick, who has been coaching FC Barcelona as Xavi's successor since this summer, and Deco. His performances at the European Championships, where he was one of the top scorers with three goals and also became a scare for Germany with his goal in the quarter-finals, further strengthened their desire for him. At Barcelona, Olmo will play alongside fellow European champion Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Pedri, among others.
Copyright 2024, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved