Man Utd face deadline to land €60m star as first offer launched

Tom Weber

• Updated: 20 Jul 2024 13:50 BST
• 4 min read

Dani Olmo's release clause expires tonight, June 20, and Barcelona have launched their first offer, according to Spanish media.

The RB Leipzig attacker was one of the most impressive performers at Euro 2024 and the tournament in Germany once again showed that the Spaniard is one of Europe's most underrated players. Olmo was not slated to start for Spain and only came into the team following Pedri's injury.

He ultimately finished the Euros as joint-top scorer and attracted the attention of many clubs. Olmo had already been open to a departure from Leipzig last summer, but the Red Bulls, at the time on the verge of losing several key players, managed to get him to extend his deal and stay for one more season.

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This summer, Leipzig will not stand in his way and Olmo has already confirmed that his agents are working on a potential exit. He has a €60 million release clause that expires tonight, but it is unlikely that any club will trigger it before the deadline, knowing full well that Leipzig are open to formal negotiations for a fee in that same ballpark.

Olmo a risk as Barca launch offer

Sky Germany's Phillip Hinze revealed on Friday why clubs are unlikely to trigger Olmo's release clause. Though it would save them the hassle of having to haggle with Leipzig, the full package to sign Olmo would be very pricey indeed.

Taking into account his wages, required agent commissions and other expenses, signing Olmo by triggering his clause would take the financial package to north of €100m, which is a lot of money for a player who is quite injury-prone. Instead, interested clubs will likely try to negotiate a cheaper deal.

Indeed, this is reportedly what Barcelona are already trying to do. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana have presented Olmo's representatives with a first contract offer for a six-year deal, while also promising Leipzig a fee that could rise to €60m in bonuses.

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Barcelona dream of re-signing their La Masia product and Olmo dreams of returning, but a formal response has yet to reach the Catalans, it is reported. The priority for Barca remains signing Nico Williams and it is doubtful that they will be able to sign both unless they really clean house this summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano and German media, several other clubs are also interested. Links to Man City have been played down, but Man Utd and Liverpool reportedly remain keen. Bayern Munich's attraction to Olmo is well-established, but he is viewed as a Plan C should they manage to miss out on Xavi Simons and Desire Doue.