Bundesliga giants pushing to renew the contract of Barcelona target – Romano

According to Fabrizio Romano (via Caught Offside), Barcelona have a long-standing interest in Spanish ace Dani Olmo, but RB Leipzig are pushing to renew the contract of the 24-year-old versatile attacking midfielder.

Olmo is a former trainee of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, but left the club at a very young age. Having earned his spurs at Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, the Spaniard joined RB Leipzig in 2020 and has continued to enhance his reputation.

A key cog in the Spanish national team as well, Olmo has been linked with a return to Barcelona for quite some time now, although nothing has materialised.

Recent reports suggested that the Catalans continue to hold an interest in their former academy ace. With Olmo’s current contract with RB Leipzig expiring in 2024, it was claimed that the Blaugrana had asked him not to renew with the Bundesliga giants.

But, according to Romano, RB Leipzig are keen on renewing the 24-year-old’s contract and have been pushing for him to pen a new deal.

The transfer expert also goes on to specify that Olmo is not a priority for Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window as they have other targets on their mind.

“Dani Olmo is set to be out of contract in June 2024. Leipzig are pushing to get new deal done and will insist again. Barcelona have a long-standing interest in Olmo but their focus is on other targets for now and nothing is happening with Olmo,” Romano said.

Even if Barcelona were interested in signing Olmo this summer itself, the Spanish international could cost them a fee of around €40 million.

Given their financial situation and their pursuit of other targets such as Lionel Messi and Vitor Roque, it would make sense for Barça to wait until next year to try and sign Olmo for free. But that could no longer be an option if RB Leipzig are successful in their attempts to renew his deal.