Barcelona finally make a formal attempt to land ex-player
Barcelona want to bring back a former academy player to strengthen the side for next season.
Barcelona are already planning for next season which means identifying players they believe not only make the team better but fit the system as well.
One such player that they have identified is former academy player, Dani Olmo.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
According to ESPN, Barca have approached his current club, Dinamo Zagreb, regarding Olmo and made an official bid to bring him back.
While no numbers were reported, the Catalans now join the chase for a player who has plenty of suitors.
His performances this season with Dinamo has drawn plenty of interest around Europe and earned him a call-up with the national team.
Olmo was part of the the Blaugrana’s youth team set up until 2014 when at the age of 16 he decided to leave the club.
He signed with Dinamo Zagreb and that is where he has been playing ever since.
The Croatian side know that their player is in high demand and have set a price tag of €40 million.
Diario Sport report that while Barcelona may well be Olmo’s preferred choice, Dinamo would prefer to sell to the highest bidder.
The interest from other teams is one of the reasons Barcelona have decided to enter the race now rather than wait for the summer.
The concern is should they become favorites to acquire the player is where he would fit given the current set up.
He’s played more as a forward and Barcelona have that area covered not only with the likes of Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele, but with other academy graduates in Ansu Fati and Carles Perez.
The question then becomes whether the club are genuinely interested in him because he can improve the team or because they want to avoid losing a former youth player to Real Madrid, for example. In essence, to avoid another Kubo situation.
Fortunately, he can also play as an attacking midfielder there are likely to be departures in that area once the season ends.
Arturo Vidal sues Barca over unpaid bonus. dark. Next
Until then, Barca will have to wait and see the bids that other teams make to gauge if a signing would be viable.