ไทย
English
中國人
Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has reportedly attracted interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah, though the Spanish international has no intention of departing his childhood club a second time.
Olmo's footballing journey went full circle upon his return to Barça in the summer of 2024, having originally been developed at the club's renowned La Masia academy before departing at 16 for Croatia and Dinamo Zagreb.
Olmo was among several players who leveraged Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig as a launchpad to one of Europe's top clubs, with Barcelona coming in for him at the beginning of Hansi Flick's tenure. Despite ongoing financial constraints, the Blaugrana secured their former academy product for $69.1 million (€60 million), and Olmo has delivered solid performances when healthy during his spell at the club.
Olmo Has No Interest In Leaving Barcelona
Although Al Qadsiah are not under the umbrella of the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF) that controls the league's four powerhouses—Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli—the club was acquired by Saudi Aramco in June 2023 and remains state-affiliated.
Their financial muscle has already lured the likes of Nacho Fernández, Otâvio, and Mateo Retegui, with the latter costing $74.9 million (€65 million) from Atalanta last summer after the striker claimed the Serie A golden boot during the 2024–25 season.
Al Qadsiah's heavy investment has helped them challenge near the top of the SPL this season, where they currently sit fourth, and the club is now eyeing its most high-profile signing to date.
MARCA reports that the Saudi outfit are targeting Barcelona's Olmo, with scouts making the trip to Catalonia to watch the attacking midfielder in person. At this stage, however, no official approach has been made to either Barça or Olmo's camp, and the player is understood to have no desire to move on.
Should Barcelona Consider Olmo Sale?
Olmo burst onto the scene at the start of the 2024–25 campaign, appearing eager to prove himself. However, his time at Barcelona has since been hampered by a string of injury setbacks.
Flick now favors Fermín López in the No. 10 role, and Barça have also recently welcomed Gavi back from a lengthy injury absence. As such, the financially stretched club may feel well-positioned enough to entertain a sale of Olmo should Al Qadsiah table an irresistible offer.
Barcelona's persistently fragile financial state means it would be unwise to dismiss a substantial bid for a player whose impact has clearly diminished over the past year. López has proven far more effective and clinical in the attacking third than Olmo, who can underwhelm despite his undeniable quality and has a tendency to fade from games.
Barcelona cannot force the 27-year-old out against his will, of course, but his stance could shift once the Saudi club places a staggering wage offer on the table to lure him to the Middle East.
If the La Liga champions are to overhaul their backline and pursue targets such as Bernardo Silva and Julian Álvarez this summer, offloading Olmo could prove to be a necessary step.