Debt-laden Barcelona has encountered yet another setback in their attempts to register star playmaker Dani Olmo, with La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) rejecting the club’s latest efforts.
The decision could leave Olmo, one of Barcelona’s marquee signings, facing a potential exit from the club.
Barcelona initially signed Olmo last summer without breaching La Liga’s budget rules after defender Andreas Christensen’s injury temporarily freed up funds for his registration.
However, administrative hurdles and financial constraints have prevented his continued registration beyond December 31, 2024. This has also affected young forward Pau Victor, who remains in limbo alongside Olmo.
The Blaugrana have taken multiple steps to resolve the issue, including raising €100 million by selling VIP seats for the future Camp Nou. This move temporarily increased their salary cap, leading La Liga to acknowledge Barcelona’s compliance with financial regulations.
However, RFEF rules prevented Olmo and Victor’s re-registration, as players whose licenses are canceled during a season cannot be re-registered with the same team.
The club has already lost two court cases seeking to extend Olmo and Victor’s registrations and is now considering an appeal to the latest ruling. If the issue remains unresolved, Olmo’s contract, which runs until 2030, includes a release clause that could allow him to leave Barcelona.
Barcelona’s precarious financial situation has left them scrambling for solutions. Despite their efforts to raise funds and comply with La Liga’s rules, the RFEF’s firm stance has further complicated matters.
Coach Hansi Flick’s plans have also been disrupted. Both Olmo and Victor were notably absent from Barcelona’s squad list for their Copa del Rey clash against fourth-tier side Barbastro on Saturday.
The absence of the influential Olmo is a significant blow to the team, which has been relying on his creativity and attacking prowess in their push for success this season.
This situation underscores Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles and administrative challenges, which continue to cast a shadow over their operations on and off the pitch. The clock is ticking, and the Blaugrana must act swiftly to avoid losing one of their most prized assets.
