Barcelona boss Hansi Flick wants to sign 26-year-old Euro 2024 star instead of Nico Williams: Reports
According to SPORT, new Barcelona boss Hansi Flick and his coaching staff would prefer to sign Dani Olmo over Nico Williams this summer. Both Olmo and Williams were key players for Spain, who won Euro 2024.
Barca sporting director Deco reportedly met Olmo's agent last month. However, they might need to shell out €60 million to bring the RB Leipzig star back to the club. Olmo, 26, came through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy before moving to Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb in 2024. He has been at Leipzig since January 2020.
Olmo had a great Euro 2024 campaign, scoring thrice and providing two assists in six appearances. He was also a key player for Leipzig last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 25 appearances across competitions.
Williams, who also had a superb Euro 2024 campaign, scored in the 2-1 win over England in the final final. Like Olmo, he was influential for Spain, scoring twice and providing an assist in six matches.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are looking to advance their pursuit of Williams as the Catalan giants are keen on uniting the Athletic Bilbao star with Lamine Yamal.
However, Williams is reportedly loyal to his club, meaning Barca might need to shell out his release clause of €58 million.
Euro 2024 star Dani Olmo has already made his Barcelona feelings clear
Dani Olmo claimed that he still considers Barcelona his home. Olmo pointed out that having played at La Blaugrana's academies, he has friends at the club.
In January, Olmo stated he'd like to return to Camp Nou at some point in his career. He said (via Barca Blaugranes):
"I want to go back sometime, it will be great. Spain is my country, my league. My family and friends live there."
Dani Olmo has shown at Euro 2024 that he is one of the best attacking midfielders on the planet at the moment. He also deputized for the injured Pedri with great effect, something that could help Barca as well.
However, whether Barca currently have the financial prowess to shell out the needed cash for signing Olmo is questionable.