Barcelona signing Euro 2024 winner would spell the end of 21-year-old starlet’s time at club

After bidding farewell to Dani Olmo in 2014, FC Barcelona are gunning for a reunion with their academy graduate.

While economic terms between RB Leipzig and Barça are still unresolved, reports have argued that the Catalan giants remain cautiously optimistic.

The interest in this reunion is mutual. The 26-year-old is keen to return to Barcelona, having rejected all other offers and reportedly agreeing to personal terms with the club.

Still, while the buzz surrounding the transfer is ramping up, it is worth mentioning that Olmo’s arrival could omit 21-year-old sensation Pablo Torre.

Pablo Torre has been putting in the work

Torre spent the last year out on loan at Girona, where he was drip-fed minutes and played sporadically.

However, since returning to his parent club this summer, the 21-year-old starlet has impressed coach Hansi Flick with his attitude and level during pre-season training.

Pablo Torre has been impressing in pre-season (Photo courtesy: X/FCBarcelona)

Despite a recent left-hand fracture sustained during training, Torre underwent surgery on Thursday and was back training with a bandaged hand just two days later.

Advised to rest, Torre’s commitment to swiftly returning to the pitch worked in his favour as he proved himself with a match-winning goal against UE Olot.

He skillfully dribbled past two defenders to score, showcasing the same scoring prowess that made him renowned during his time at Racing Santander.

The midfielder’s recent strides have improved his standing in the squad and will likely see him feature regularly in the upcoming US pre-season tour, where Barcelona will face Manchester City, Real Madrid, and AC Milan.

A surplus of options in midfield

While Torre is determined to secure his place in the team, signing Olmo would give Flick an abundance of options in the attacking midfield.

With Pedri, Fermin Lopez, and Ilkay Gundogan already well-established in the number 10 role, Torre’s chances could be significantly diminished if Olmo joins the squad, potentially undermining his recent progress.

Olmo is expected to join Barça. (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Although Olmo is a versatile midfielder, his primary strength lies in the No. 10 position, as demonstrated during his time with the Spanish national team. Competing against three other capable attacking midfielders would likely render Torre’s place in the squad redundant.

In light of Barcelona’s financial constraints, this scenario could accelerate his potential sale.

Where could Torre end up?

For now, the young midfielder’s future hinges on how Barcelona’s transfer saga with Olmo develops.

In the likely scenario that the RB Leipzig star is signed, Torre would either be offloaded on a permanent transfer or a successive loan deal.

Considering that his contract runs until June 2026, Barcelona still have the opportunity to make some cash off his sale. Otherwise, Torre could pursue continuity in Girona, which is something that appeals to him.

Time will reveal how Barcelona handles the youngster’s future. While he seems to be enjoying a good moment at the club, the increasing competition at Barcelona frequently sidelines even the most talented players.

And for a player with his entire career ahead of him, Torre is unlikely to dig his heels in and warm the benches for a full season.