Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed frustration on Friday over the potential loss of key midfielder Dani Olmo due to the club’s financial struggles, though he remained hopeful the issue would be resolved.
The Catalan club announced Tuesday that they had requested a new playing license for the Spanish international after his initial registration expired on December 31, 2024. Barcelona had already exhausted legal avenues to extend Olmo’s registration, prompting concerns about his availability.
Olmo, who was signed for around 60 million euros ($62 million) in the summer, reportedly has a clause in his contract allowing for his release if he cannot be officially registered. Barcelona’s financial constraints have been a significant factor, with the club initially only able to register Olmo after defender Andreas Christensen’s injury in August.
Striker Pau Victor is in a similar situation, also facing registration issues.
“I am not happy about the situation, and neither are the players,” Flick admitted in a press conference. “But it is what it is, and we have to accept it. We are professionals, we must focus on football, I coach the team, and the club handles its responsibilities.”
Flick emphasized his confidence in the club’s management, stating, “I remain positive, but we must wait for the final decision.”
Barcelona will face Barbastro in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 on Saturday without Olmo and Victor, who are both unavailable.
“My job is to prepare the team for the cup,” Flick added. “I spoke with the president both before and after Christmas, and I trust that the club will handle its responsibilities while I do mine.”
Olmo, 26, has been an important figure for Spain during their Euro 2024 victory and has impressed at Barcelona, scoring five league goals since his arrival from Leipzig.
However, La Liga confirmed on Tuesday that Barcelona has presented no alternative that would comply with the league’s financial regulations, leaving Olmo’s registration in limbo.
Losing Olmo would be a major blow to Barcelona’s hopes of silverware this season, adding to the growing list of embarrassments stemming from the club’s long-standing financial mismanagement.
AFP
