RB Leipzig reject Barcelona's offer for Dani Olmo
Barcelona are going to need to get back to the negotiating table as their initial bid for Dani Olmo has been rejected by RB Leipzig.
According to Sky Sports Germany, the Catalan side first offer did not meet the valuation that RB Leipzig have place on Olmo.
🚨 Yes, there was an initial offer from Barca to @RBLeipzig for Dani Olmo. The offer was made a few days ago. However, Leipzig declined it as the offer did not meet their expectations. The overall package was not satisfactory. Leipzig is basing Olmo's price on the value of his… pic.twitter.com/QrCuOcKMLx
— Philipp Hinze (@philipphinze24) July 25, 2024
That offer was reportedly €40 million fixed with an additional €20 million in add-ons. While RB Leipzig value Olmo at €60 million and Barcelona's offer reaches their valuation, the Bundesliga side likely wants a higher fixed amount.
Barcelona have had a first offer of €40m + €20m in variables rejected for Dani Olmo. RB Leipzig want more money up front. Barça will continue to work on the operation. @RogerTorello, @xavimunyozMD
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 25, 2024
The two sides are expected to hold more talks in the coming days.
Olmo has made it known he would like to return to Barcelona and Barcelona seem to be keen on his return.
A potential deal for Olmo came as a bit of a surprise as all eyes were focused on Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams.
The argument against signing Olmo is the price tag. Barcelona have plenty of midfielders and, as it stands, whether through injury or otherwise, a departure in midfield is unlikely meaning there is going to be an overbooking in that area.
As far as whether or not Barcelona can afford both Olmo and Williams, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is adamant they can.
"The economic issue is much better than it was, the process has been to save the club and then recover it, and we are on the way to normality. Today we can face signings of high quality," Laporta said during the press conference where they were introducing Hansi Flick.
If Barcelona can get this deal over the line, Olmo's signing is one for both the medium and long-term. Ilkay Gundogan is 33-years-old and his minutes are going to need to be managed. Then there is uncertainty with regards to Frenkie de Jong.
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Olmo shined at EURO 2024 with Spain and has been a key figure for RB Leipzig the past couple of seasons. It's a bit of a surprise no other side has scooped him up. As it stands, Barcelona want to be the club that does so.