Bundesliga forward wants Barcelona transfer despite Manchester City tabling offer

Before joining Dinamo Zagreb, Dani Olmo plied his trade at Barcelona’s academy for over seven years, from 2007 to 2014.

Since leaving the Catalan giants, Olmo has made quite the name for himself, shining at RB Leipzig and most recently becoming the talk of the town with his superb performances with the Spanish national team in UEFA Euro 2024.

Discussions about a reunion with his boyhood club, Barcelona, have been ongoing in recent years. However, the prospect now seems more realistic than ever following his recent success with Spain.

Recruiting Olmo is not expected to be a walk in the park, though. European heavyweights with far more financial resources have also been eyeing the attacking midfielder, leading to heavy competition for his signature.

Manchester City enter the fray

Now, according to Santi Aouna, Manchester City have tabled an offer to acquire Dani Olmo, but Barcelona are also in pursuit and pushing hard to secure his signature.

In fact, the player himself has expressed a clear preference for joining Barcelona. Olmo’s agent is scheduled to meet with Barcelona’s management this weekend to discuss the potential transfer and further explore the club’s offer.

Olmo wants Barcelona despite Man City offer. (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Not too long ago, sporting director Deco and Olmo’s agents were spotted in a 2.5-hour-long meeting. More meetings are expected to take place between both parties so that common ground can eventually be gained.

Barcelona must first trim their roster

However, despite Barcelona’s strong interest in Olmo, the report indicates that for the club to secure his transfer, they must first offload some players to free up the necessary funds.

And that is where things get complicated. With Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo’s injury, the Catalans cannot sell two of their most lucrative assets.

Moreover, Raphinha’s insistence on staying despite garnering tremendous interest also puts Barcelona in a pickle.

As such, it remains to be seen who the Blaugranes intend to cash out on because if they aspire to realize their dream of dressing both Nico Williams and Dani Olmo in Barcelona shirts, sales will have to take place.