Barcelona unwilling to raise offer to sign transfer target, ready to wait until player's release clause kicks in - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly reluctant to raise their revised offer for RB Leipzig striker Dani Olmo. The 26-year-old is currently on vacation after his exploits for Spain in their triumphant Euro 2024 campaign.
La Roja won a record fourth European Championship in Germany, beating England 2-1 in the final, with Olmo contributing three goals and two assists in six games.
He was coming off an injury-plagued 2023-24 season with Leipzig, registering eight goals and five assists in 25 games across competitions. Despite his contract running until 2027, Olmo is being linked with an exit this summer, with his reported destination touted to be the Blaugrana.
As per Mundo Deportivo (via GOAL), Barca made an initial offer of €40 million fixed and €20 million in add-ons, which Leipzig turned down. The Spanish giants returned with an improved offer: €47 million fixed, €3 million in the player's game appearances and €10 million in add-ons.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Barca are unwilling to exceed their €50 million offer, which is also Olmo's reported release clause for next season. Leipzig are set to analyze the offer and discuss related details with Olmo's entourage.
Currently, Olmo is vacationing with his girlfriend in Croatia but is expected back in Leipzig's pre-season training by August 8. His entourage hopes to sort out his future by then.
It's pertinent to note that Barca's initial offer entailed payments of €10 million every year. But as per the new one, they will pay Leipzig €25 million upfront in September and the rest in installments.
How have Barcelona fared in pre-season so far?
Barcelona opened their pre-season tour of the US with a 4-1 penalty shootout win over Manchester City at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando after a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes.
They next take on arch-rivals Real Madrid on Saturday (August 3) at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before winding up their US tour with a clash with AC Milan at the MT&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore three days later.
Barca conclude their pre-season with a home clash with AS Monaco on August 11 in the Joan Gamper Trophy before opening their 2024-25 La Liga campaign at Valencia six days later.