For months, FC Barcelona has been driven by economic constraints – this has not been without consequence, as the Catalans are still unable to register Dani Olmo. In two days, the offensive player could now leave on a free transfer.
Dani Olmo was signed from RB Leipzig in the summer – and initially could not be registered at the start of the season. It was only the surprising, free transfer of Ilkay Gündogan to Manchester City and the serious injury to Andreas Christensen that allowed the Blaugrana to register the European champion for the first time after all. However, as Christensen’s comeback is getting closer, this loophole is no longer available. Barcelona therefore wanted to use the still-injured first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen for the registration.
But La Liga refused to allow this, and an application for an injunction against La Liga was rejected on Friday – and on Monday, Barca also failed at a second hearing before the Catalonian Supreme Court. According to Marca, the judge argued that it was incomprehensible that Barcelona itself had once voted in favor of the statutes that are now considered unlawful. It seems clear that the legal route to registration remains closed for Barca.
There is still a glimmer of hope
Internally, the club is said to have been pessimistic about the chances of success of the lawsuit from the outset. But now it’s burning a hole in their shoes, because there are just over 24 hours left to register the players for the rest of the season – and also to prevent the 26-year-old from leaving on a transfer-free basis. According to the club-affiliated Mundo Deportivo, Dani Olmo had an additional clause written into his contract at the beginning of the season, according to which he could leave the club with immediate effect in the event of a failed registration.
So there is a need for action in Barcelona – and the Catalans could still have an ace up their sleeve. According to Marca, the club’s efforts to sell its own VIP boxes are “very advanced” and there is already an agreement between president Joan Laporta and investors that would bring in €100 million for the club. This would solve the registration problem for Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. However, nothing has been finalized yet – and the deadline expires at 11:59 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
In the current season, Dani Olmo has made 15 appearances under coach Hansi Flick, scoring seven times.