Barcelona want free agent in ‘embarrassing’ situation as worrying Dani Olmo update drops

Robin Bairner

6 Sep 2024 03:40 CDT
4 min read

Barcelona are still seeking to make deals following the close of the transfer window but face a battle to land free agent Adrien Rabiot who finds himself in an “embarrassing” situation.

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Adrien Rabiot has found himself without a club since being released by Juventus at the end of his deal in July.

Manchester United and Barcelona are among the sides to have studied the prospect of signing the France international star, but his wage demands have so far blocked any potential deal.

Mundo Deportivo has reaffirmed Barca’s desire to sign the player but has indicated that it will be impossible while he continues to ask for a salary of around €10 million per year.

France head coach Didier Deschamps addressed Rabiot’s position prior to Les Bleus’ Nations League encounter against Italy on Friday.

He said: “Adrien Rabiot has a somewhat embarrassing situation. His contract was expiring and he was solicited by several teams... but now he’s without a team and doesn’t train with any squad.

“I hope he can quickly choose a club that can then bring him back to us.”

Rabiot has also been linked with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League, where his lucrative salary demands are not seen to be a problem.

Dani Olmo registration headache

Barcelona’s financial problems are further highlighted by the fact that Dani Olmo is only registered until 31 December, which means he could drop out of the Camp Nou side’s list in January.

In order for him to feature in 2025, Barca will have to generate additional income.

Compared

Pau Víctor

F (C)

Barcelona

Pau Víctor

F (C)

Barcelona

VS

Dani Olmo

M, AM (C)

Barcelona

Dani Olmo

M, AM (C)

Barcelona

€0.8M	ETV	€42.2M
€0.6M - €1M	ETV Range	€31.7M - €52.8M
23 years old (26 Nov, 2001)	Age	26 years old (07 May, 1998)
Spain	Nationality	Spain

Worryingly for Barcelona, Pau Victor, who arrived from Girona in the summer, is in a similar position.

Mundo Deportivo explains: “The positive thing for Pau Victor is that, as his salary is considerably lower than that of Dani Olmo, the ‘fair play’ that Barcelona will have to generate in order for him not to be deregistered on 1 January is considerably less than in the case of the former RB Leipzig player.”

The report indicated that the player and his entourage are “relaxed” about the situation while president Joan Laporta remains bullish about the finances of Barcelona and is confident the issues with both Pau Victor and Dani Olmo will be resolved, with a new sponsorship deal with Nike on the table.