Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed his disappointment on Friday that the team’s grave financial position may result in the loss of crucial midfielder Dani Olmo, but he remained hopeful that the matter will be satisfactorily handled.
The Catalan powerhouses announced on Tuesday that they had requested a new playing licence for Spanish international Olmo from the Spanish Football Federation after Barcelona had used all available legal options to extend his previous one, which had expired on December 31, 2024.
Olmo was acquired by Barcelona in the summer for about 60 million euros ($62 million), and Spanish media reports that his contract contains a provision that would allow him to be dismissed if he is not registered.
The stringent financial regulations of the Spanish Premier League restrict Barcelona’s expenditure, and following defender Andreas Christensen’s injury in August, they were initially only able to sign Olmo.
Striker Pau Victor is in a similar situation to Olmo.
Flick stated at a press conference on Friday, “If I am being completely honest, I was not happy about the situation, and the players are not happy about the situation.”
However, we have to embrace the fact that we are professionals and must play football. I must coach, and the club must fulfil its obligations.
“I am always optimistic, and there is confidence (in the club), but we must wait for the decision.”
Olmo and Victor are presently out for Barcelona’s Copa del Rey round of 32 matchup against Barbastro on Saturday.
“My responsibility is to get the team ready for the cup,” Flick added.
“The president and I spoke today. We were in communication before Christmas.
“I am confident that both the club and I are doing our jobs well.”
Olmo, 26, who scored five league goals after moving from Leipzig, was a key player in Spain’s success at Euro 2024.
“Barcelona has presented no alternative,” according to La Liga on Tuesday, following the league’s spending regulations that would let them sign players.
In addition to being another humiliating error following years of financial mismanagement, losing Olmo would be a setback to the Blaugrana’s hopes of winning any hardware this season.
