Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is anxiously awaiting the registration of summer signing Dani Olmo in time for their LaLiga match against Athletic Club at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday. Despite Olmo’s readiness to play, the club has been struggling to register him due to exceeding their league-imposed spending limit. However, with some players departing, such as Ilkay Gündogan, there is a possibility of freeing up space for Olmo’s registration.
In addition to Gündogan’s departure, Barcelona is currently working on deals that could see striker Vitor Roque and defender Mikayil Faye leaving the club soon. Furthermore, there are speculations about players like Clément Lenglet, Ansu Fati, and Eric García potentially exiting before the transfer window closes. Sources suggest that Barcelona is eyeing a left winger and a full-back to add to the squad after registering Olmo. Federico Chiesa is rumored to be a target to strengthen the attack, while Marc Pubill and João Cancelo are options at full-back.
Despite the ongoing transfer speculations, coach Flick remains focused on the team at hand and is not getting ahead of himself with potential new signings. He emphasized the quality of the current players and their dedication in training, believing that they are well-prepared for the upcoming match against Athletic Club.
Barcelona started Flick’s tenure with a 2-1 victory over Valencia, but the upcoming match against Athletic Club may pose a bigger challenge. The Basque side, led by Spain winger Nico Williams, finished fifth last season and could test Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium. Flick expressed confidence in his team’s abilities to handle the opposition, specifically mentioning defender Jules Koundé’s role in containing Williams.
On the other side, Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Nico Williams and Barcelona’s interest in the player. Valverde urged to put an end to the constant scrutiny and focus on the player’s commitment to Athletic Club for the upcoming season. Despite the noise in the media, Valverde emphasized Williams’ dedication to the team and his readiness for the new campaign.
Barcelona’s anticipation for Dani Olmo’s registration, coupled with the potential transfer activities and the upcoming challenge against Athletic Club, sets the stage for an intense and exciting LaLiga fixture. The focus remains on the current squad’s readiness and determination to succeed in the face of adversity, showcasing the resilience and unity within the team. As the football season progresses, the dynamics of the team and the league standings are bound to shift, creating a thrilling and unpredictable atmosphere for fans and players alike.