Hansi Flick will probably have to do without Dani Olmo. © ANSA / Enric Fontcuberta

Barça crisis also hits Flick: What happens to Olmo?

This is probably not what Hansi Flick wanted for his first appearance in the new year with FC Barcelona.

02 January 2025

From: do

But after the sporting blow from the Spanish football league, which refused to register European champions Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, the mood of crisis prevails among the Catalans under President Joan Laporta. "Barça, desperate," wrote "Marca." "An unprecedented ridiculousness," wrote "La Vanguardia."

Flick is now in danger of losing one of his key players completely. The club bosses have now turned to the Spanish association in another attempt and are hoping for a solution by this Friday, when Flick gives his press conference before the cup match against UD Barbostra.

The Catalans have to play against the fourth division team on Saturday, and a clear victory is a must. Especially since there is not much left of the brilliant start under Flick since he took office last summer. In the Spanish championship, Barcelona has slipped to third place, having lost the last two games of 2024.

Dani Olmo is dedicated to his fans. © ANSA / Enric Fontcuberta

And now this too. "Europe is rubbing its hands over Barça and Olmo: 'Is that true!'" wrote "Sport". The paper immediately listed potential suitors for Olmo, who only moved from RB Leipzig back to his training club in August last year: Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea FC, Bayern Munich, Arsenal FC and Manchester City.

"Potentially devastating effects"

Olmo had signed a contract that is valid until the summer of 2030 - with a fixed transfer fee of 500 million euros. Spanish media also speculated how much money the Olmo case could ultimately cost FC Barcelona: over 260 million euros. Mundo deportivo wrote of "potentially devastating consequences".

The club's heavy debts are the club's biggest problem. In the summer of 2021, superstar Lionel Messi had to leave his beloved club because the club could no longer afford the Argentine. But things didn't get much better.

Opposition takes position

For financial reasons, the Spanish league refused to register Olmo and Pau Victor. In other words: They are not allowed to play. A fundraising campaign by Laporta, who is under massive criticism, was not enough either.

According to media reports, VIP boxes in the modernized Camp Nou stadium have been sold to an Arab investment fund for 100 million euros. "As" has already reported that the opposition may be preparing a motion of no confidence and that Laporta will need a lot of magic to get back on the right path.