Barcelona submit second bid worth €50m to sign Euro 2024 winner - Reports
Barcelona have made a second approach to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo. According to journalist Ivan San Antonio of Spanish outlet SPORT, La Blaugrana have improved their previous offer for the Euro 2024 winner.
The journalist claims that the Catalan giants have now offered €50 million plus €10 million in add-ons for the 26-year-old. This is an improvement from their primary offer, which was for €40 million plus €20 million in add-ons.
Olmo played a starring role for Spain, especially in the knockout rounds, as La Roja won Euro 2024. Taking on a starting role after Pedri's injury in the quarter-finals against Germany, he finished as the tournament's top scorer with three goals while also setting up two more. He made 25 appearances for RB Leipzig last season, bagging eight goals and five assists.
The Spaniard could be a key addition to Barcelona's midfield, providing creativity alongside the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Gavi, and Fermin Lopez. He has emerged as a key target for the side, indicated by their willingness to spend up to €60 million despite their well-known financial difficulties.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola full of praise for Barcelona after 2-2 draw in friendly fixture
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was impressed by Barcelona's performance as the two sides played out a 2-2 draw in a pre-season friendly. Speaking after the game, Guardiola said (via Forbes):
"The seasons are long and the pre-seasons are very special, the competition is something else, but they have done a lot of things well."
"But they all played incredible, they do things very well, they know when they have to run, when they have to press, when they have to anticipate. I wish them all the best."
The two European heavyweights produced an entertaining encounter as the Premier League champions had to claw back twice to restore parity.
Attacker Pau Victor handed the Catalan side the lead in the 24th minute, only for Cityzens midfielder Nico O'Reilly to equalise in the 39th minute. Pablo Torre handed La Blaugrana the advantage again late in the first half, but Jack Grealish scored the equaliser in the 60th minute. A penalty shootout was held following the fixture, which was won by the Spanish side.
Barcelona will continue their pre-season tour with fixtures against Real Madrid and AC Milan upcoming before kicking off their La Liga campaign away to Valencia on August 17.