Why is Dani Olmo leaving Barça?
Barcelona Battles Financial and Legal Hurdles to Retain Dani Olmo: Registration Crisis Explained
Barcelona’s efforts to secure Dani Olmo’s registration have encountered significant obstacles, placing the midfielder’s future with the club in jeopardy. After rejoining Barcelona from RB Leipzig in August 2024 for approximately €60 million, Olmo’s initial registration was facilitated through La Liga’s Article 77, which allows temporary registration by reallocating salaries from injured players. This provisional registration is set to expire on December 31, 2024.
The club’s attempts to extend Olmo’s registration have been thwarted by judicial decisions. The Commercial Court of Barcelona recently denied Barcelona’s appeal to prolong Olmo’s registration, citing non-compliance with financial fair play regulations. This ruling underscores the club’s ongoing financial challenges, including a debt exceeding €1 billion, which have impeded their ability to register new players.
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In response, Barcelona has explored various strategies to generate the necessary revenue for compliance. One such initiative involves selling VIP boxes at the future Spotify Camp Nou to Middle Eastern investors, aiming to raise between €100 million and €120 million over the next two decades. This influx of funds is intended to meet La Liga’s financial requirements and secure Olmo’s registration before the year-end deadline.
Despite these efforts, the looming deadline has attracted interest from other major European clubs. Premier League teams such as Manchester City, Manchester United, and Arsenal are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, prepared to make a move for Olmo should he become a free agent.
As the December 31 deadline approaches, Barcelona faces a critical juncture. Failure to secure Olmo’s registration could result in the loss of a key player without compensation, further exacerbating the club’s financial and competitive challenges. The coming hours are pivotal as Barcelona strives to navigate these complex financial and regulatory hurdles to retain Dani Olmo’s services.
