Barcelona make HUGE Olmo transfer blunder

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 12 Aug 2024 13:52 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona may not be able to register Dani Olmo in their squad this season despite confirming the €62 million signing of the midfielder.

The La Liga giants completed the signing of Olmo last week for an initial fee of €55m plus €7m in add-ons but Barcelona’s financial concerns are continuing to hold them back from registering the 26-year-old.

Barca’s long-running issues have steadily been improving and the club had hoped to raise more funds by selling 25% of their Barca Studios brand, which is valued at €100m.

READ MORE: Barcelona wages: How much does each player earn?

However, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, while American company Aramark has paid €40m of the amount, German firm Libero have backed out of the deal for the remaining €60m.

But, even if the full amount was paid, it is believed that Barcelona would still be unable to register Olmo, with La Liga rules dictating only funds raised through players sales are allowed to be spent on signings.

Barcelona open their La Liga campaign against Valencia on Friday but, as it stands, Olmo will not be able to play until he is registered, with the club having until the end of the transfer window to resolve the issue.

Barcelona struggling to make player sales

Barcelona’s need to sell players has now intensified with the twist in the Olmo saga, with the club only able to register the Spain international if money is raised through transfers out.

However, Barcelona do not have any imminent significant sales lined up, with no teams willing to meet the wage demands of Raphinha, while Ronald Araujo’s injury has prevented any offers for him.

READ MORE: Barcelona’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

Frenkie de Jong is a player whom Barcelona would be willing to sell but the Dutchman is still reluctant to leave despite interest from teams such as Manchester United.

Barcelona have still not given up hope of signing Nico Williams but the winger looks set to remain at Athletic Bilbao, with the Catalan’s financial issues preventing them from activating his buyout clause.

But the club would evidently struggle to register Williams even if he did join and it appears Barca will have to force out some players before the transfer window closes to avoid the embarrassment of signing Olmo and not being able to play him this season.