Deco Sidesteps Questions on Dani Olmo’s Contract Issue

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is facing a challenging period ahead. The club must prioritize registering Dani Olmo in January, or risk losing him on a free transfer. Olmo currently has a temporary registration due to Christensen’s injury in August, but this arrangement expires in the winter transfer window.

When questioned about this issue before Barcelona’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, Deco appeared uncomfortable and deflected, saying: “We’re here to talk about football, better things, the match.” He attempted to reassure by stating, “We can definitely register Dani Olmo before the end of the year. The club is working on it, and everything is calm.”

Deco added that the player is relaxed, but when pressed about how the club would manage the situation, he became visibly uneasy: “These are internal matters… Don’t worry, we’ll sort it out. We’re here to discuss football, better things, the match.” He ultimately shut down the topic, stating, “We won’t be discussing this for now.”

Dani Olmo joined Barcelona last summer for €47 million plus variables. Remarkably, there’s a possibility he could leave the club for free just months later. Olmo has a clause allowing him to depart without cost if not registered in any transfer window until his contract ends in 2030. This clause, added in August due to registration issues, highlights Barcelona’s financial struggles.

While Olmo was eventually registered thanks to Christensen’s long-term injury, this temporary solution expires in January 2025. If not properly registered by then, Olmo can leave for free. According to reports, Barcelona currently lacks the income to complete his registration. This situation represents the most pressing challenge for Deco at present.