Barcelona eyeing move for former player on deadline day – report

With Ilaix Moriba nearing a switch to RB Leipzig, Barcelona have been involved in negotiations with the Bundesliga outfit for some time now. And, it seems like players other than Moriba may have also come up in discussions between the two clubs.

As reported by the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Barcelona have made enquiries with Leipzig over former academy man Dani Olmo. However, it is not entirely clear if the talks were over a potential move on the deadline day or in the future.

Olmo joined Barcelona’s fabled La Masia youth setup in 2007 from cross-town rivals Espanyol and spent seven years within the system before signing for Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2014. It is in Croatia that the attacking midfielder flourished, going on to rack up over 100 appearances, in which he managed 34 goals and 28 assists.

Olmo was snapped up by RB Leipzig in January last year, and the 23-year-old has continued to progress at a rapid rate, becoming an integral part of the Bundesliga side. He was also one of Spain’s best performers in the summer’s UEFA Euro 2020.

Barcelona have had Olmo on their radar for a while now, with the Catalan giants having been closely tracking the development of their former academy prospect. However, there had been no approach made up until this point. But, McGrath now reports that the Blaugrana have spoken to RB Leipzig over a deal for the 23-year-old Olmo.

A versatile player who can play in attacking midfield, on the wings, or more withdrawn positions in the middle, Olmo is a star in the making and would improve the squad a great deal.

However, it is difficult to imagine the club would be able to sign him on the transfer deadline day, with the financial situation being as it is. Not to mention, it would also leave Leipzig with very little time to replace one of their key players.