- Barcelona is set to kick off their La Liga season against Valencia on August 17
- His contributions were instrumental in Leipzig’s success, helping the club secure two DFB-Pokal titles
Barcelona have officially secured the signing of Spanish international Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of €60 million ($65 million). The club announced that the 26-year-old playmaker has inked a six-year contract, keeping him at Camp Nou until June 30, 2030, with a staggering release clause set at €500 million.
Olmo, who emerged as a standout performer at Euro 2024 by finishing as the joint top scorer with three goals, played a pivotal role in Spain’s record fourth European Championship triumph. His return to Barcelona marks a full-circle moment, having been part of the club’s famed La Masia academy before departing for Dinamo Zagreb in 2014.
During his tenure at RB Leipzig, which began in 2020, Olmo evolved into a versatile attacking midfielder, capable of operating both centrally and on the left wing. His contributions were instrumental in Leipzig’s success, helping the club secure two DFB-Pokal titles.
Expressing his sentiments on social media platform X, Olmo wrote, “A young club, a young player… we grew up, won our first trophies, and made history together. Thank you, RB Leipzig, you’ll forever be in my heart.”
This signing represents the first major acquisition under Barcelona’s new manager, Hansi Flick, who took over the reins in May following a lackluster season under former coach Xavi Hernandez. With Real Madrid clinching both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League titles last season and bolstering their squad with the acquisition of French superstar Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona faces an uphill battle as underdogs in the upcoming campaign.
The addition of Olmo adds depth to an already crowded midfield, which boasts talents like Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gündogan, and the young Spanish duo of Pedri and Gavi, although the latter two are currently sidelined due to injuries.
Barcelona is set to kick off their La Liga season against Valencia on August 17, aiming to reclaim domestic glory and make a strong statement in European competitions.