- The attacking midfielder signed from Red Bull Leipzig in the summer for £50m.
- But La Liga is blocking his registration while they pressure Barcelona to make cuts.
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Dani Olmo’s agent arrived in Manchester today as Premier League clubs look to take advantage of Barcelona’s battle to register the dynamic Spain international in La Liga ahead of the January 1 deadline.
Olmo was a £50m signing from Red Bull Leipzig in the summer but was only able to register on a temporary deal until the end of the calendar year due to La Liga’s current financial constraints on Barcelona.
It means Olmo can leave as a free agent if the Spanish football federation continues to block his registration for the second part of the season while they pressure the Catalan giants to make more cuts, raise more revenue and meet their financial guidelines.
Barcelona have launched legal proceedings against La Liga and were initially hoping to reach a resolution before next week.
However, with time running out, the situation has alerted the main Premier League clubs, such as Manchester City, United and Arsenal, who have become very interested in whether a player so decisive in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024 could be available for nothing next month.
Olmo’s priority has always been to stay at Barcelona, his boyhood club, but the lengthy process is understood to have forced his agent Andy Bara to begin exploring possible moves for the 26-year-old, recognized as one of the best attacking midfielders in history. Europe.
Dani Olmo’s agent Andy Bara (pictured left after Spain’s Euro 2024 victory) arrived in Manchester
The star was instrumental in Spain’s summer glory but could leave Barcelona for free as they struggle to sign him up.
The agent was also instrumental in Manchester City signing Josko Gvardiol from Red Bull Leipzig.
Croatian Bara, 42, is the owner of Niagara Sports Company, one of the largest agencies in the world. A former centre-back, he has built a reputation as a leading agent representing Olmo, Spanish captain Álvaro Morata and other figures such as Lovro Majer and previously Marcelo Brozovic.
Barca also played a role in Manchester City’s £77m deal to sign Josko Gvardiol from Red Bull Leipzig in 2023.
Barça flew to Manchester on a private jet before City’s game against Everton and was due to attend the match.
Contacted by Mail Sport, Barça confirmed: ‘Yes, it’s true, I’m in Manchester. I’m here on holiday.’
