Barcelona is in a crisis that won't be fixed on the pitch. Their star signing from last summer, Dani Olmo, has become the figurehead of a judicial storm that could leave the club's second-half-of-the-season plans dead in the water. Los Azulgranas' hierarchs are running against time following a court request being turned down which almost certainly means the midfielder's season is over.
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Signing with difficulties
Dani Olmo was a major bet by Barça to renovate its middle field. He joined in for €55 m, while his release clause went to a staggering €500 million, meaning he came in with many hopes among the fans. Yet his registration in La Liga is quite opposite to that.
Already restricted by LaLiga's strict Financial Fair Play rules and the 25-player squad limit, Barca had to wait until a slot opened up. It was only in August when Andreas Christensen's Achilles injury gave Olmo his opening.
The problem? That permission came with an expiration date. Christensen is due back, and Barcelona is facing that familiar headache: how to incorporate Olmo into the team without breaking LaLiga's rules?
Court blocks Barcelona's plan
Barcelona took their case to the courts and tried to get some judicial reprieve that would keep Olmo eligible. Last Friday, the court rejected their application and did not allow them to register the midfielder for the second phase of competition. Although they are still awaiting a hearing on December 30, time is running out for them.
This decision once more puts into evidence the economic and administrative problem that the club has lived in during the last few years. The Olmo case will require the quick and strong decisions Barça must make to repair the situation, whether this means roster changes or new negotiations.
Financial Fair Play weight
What was supposed to protect the financial stability of clubs has become a living hell for Barcelona. The rules regarding Financial Fair Play from LaLiga, setting the level of spending relative to revenues, have left the club with almost no room to breathe.
It's been due to years of mismanagement at the club, which has been characterized by expensive signings and astronomical wages. And though recent times have seen some cost-cutting, Barcelona still struggles to balance the books and adhere to league rules.
Dani Olmo is just one victim of this situation. His case reflects not only a specific problem but structural issues of a club which is still trying to find its place again.
What does Dani Olmo risk?
For Dani Olmo, it means more than just bureaucracy. Having come from RB Leipzig, where he was such an important man, this should have marked a massive step forward in his career. He found uncertainty, red tape.
Olmo is crucial for Barça's objectives this season. Without him, head coach Hansi Flick would have a serious setback in the already present pressure for him to regularly produce good performances. It may also lead to rhythm loss and loss of opportunities that he gets in vital competitions, which may impact his standing with the Spanish national team as well.
The battle isn't over
With the court hearing scheduled for December 30, Barcelona has every chance to get out of this entanglement. But even then, this whole saga has underlined the fact that the biggest challenges for the club remain off the field.
As the club's management seeks a solution, the fans, rivals, and critics will all be watching with bated breath. The result of this case will not only define the present season but will also say a lot about the future awaiting Barcelona.
Now the club has to show it can deal with its off-field problems with the same ability it has so often demonstrated on the pitch. Meanwhile, Dani Olmo waits to be given the chance to do what he does best: play.