FC Barcelona announced its biggest summer transfer to date in a press release on Friday afternoon.
“FC Barcelona and RB Leipzig have reached an agreement on 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 (exit) clause is set at 500 million euros,” the statement said.
Alongside Nico Williams, also a winner of Euro 2024, Olmo was Barca’s main transfer target this summer after being linked with his boyhood club in previous transfer windows.
He played a key role in La Roja’s fourth European Championship victory in his former adopted home of Germany, where the striker shared the Golden Shoe award for most goals and also saved a crucial shot on the goal line in the 2-1 final victory over England.
According to reports from people like SPORT With rumors rife that Barca would not be able to meet RB Leipzig’s asking price, it was thought that an offer for Olmo – like Nico – could also come to nothing.
This week, however, sporting director Deco flew to the German club’s city to meet with the player, his father and agents, who were determined to negotiate a deal with Leipzig.
Fabrizio Romano reported that the Portuguese had managed to make a difference with a tweet: “Dani Olmo to Barca, let’s go! Verbal agreement in place after key mission in Leipzig for Barca (sports) director Deco.”
Romano added that the transfer consisted of $60 million (€55 million) in fixed deposits and $7.6 million (€7 million) in additional payments, which was the “main part that was difficult to agree on.”
The transfer market expert’s report turned out to be true a few days later and Olmo is now set to be introduced as a new Barca player at an official presentation.
There are doubts among fans and journalists as to where Olmo will play under head coach Hansi Flick, who is a well-known admirer of the 26-year-old.
Some believe Olmo will fill the vacant left wing spot that Ferran Torres and Joao Felix failed to fill last season, while others believe he will challenge Pedri and Gavi when they return to play – fighting for a place in attacking midfield.
What is certain is that Flick has already indicated that he does not want another man for the midfield.
“We have several injured midfielders with great quality. When they come back, we will be a better team and I think I have enough players there,” said the German after the last friendly match of the US preparation tour against AC Milan.
If all goes well, Olmo could make his debut on Monday in the Joan Gamper Trophy match when Barca host AS Monaco at the Montjuic Stadium.