Barcelona have been joined by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in the race for RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dani Olmo, according to reports in Germany, as relayed by Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo.
Olmo has been on Barcelona’s radars for well over a year now. The 24-year-old, a former La Masia trainee, left the club in 2014 and had a successful stint at Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, before ending up at RB Leipzig.
During his time in Germany, the Spanish international has continued to enhance his reputation, making several big clubs sit up and take notice.
Along with Barcelona, there was rumoured interest from arch-rivals Real Madrid as well, although the chatter surrounding it appears to have died down of late.
Olmo’s current contract with RB Leipzig expires in the summer of 2024 and as per the report, he has already turned down a renewal proposal from the German outfit.
It had been previously reported that Barcelona had asked the Spanish attacking midfielder to reject Leipzig’s contract offers so that they can sign him for free in the summer of 2024.
However, with Olmo not renewing, Leipzig will likely look to sell him this summer itself, with reports suggesting that they will demand around €30 million.
Barcelona have maintained their interest in Olmo, but will now have to face additional competition from Borussia Dortmund, who also wish to sign the 24-year-old as they prepare for the departure of Jude Bellingham in the summer.
As mentioned earlier, Barça’s plan was for Olmo to run down his contract so that they can sign him for no cost next year. However, with Leipzig likely to cash in this summer itself, it remains to be seen if the La Liga leaders are prepared to make a move for their former academy man.
