The highly anticipated LaLiga clash between Barcelona and Athletic Club on Saturday will unfortunately not feature Dani Olmo due to unforeseen circumstances. The source of this disappointing news has revealed to ESPN that Barcelona was unable to register Olmo in time for the fixture. Olmo, who recently made a transition from RB Leipzig to Barcelona for a substantial fee, has yet to have his inscription approved by the league. This delay is attributed to Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles, which have caused them to exceed their annual spending limit imposed by the league. As a consequence, Olmo was unable to participate in the opening-day victory against Valencia and will now miss the showdown against Athletic Club.
Despite the setback, Barcelona is actively working towards resolving the issue to ensure Olmo’s availability in future matches. The club is focused on reducing their wage bill and increasing revenue to adhere to the league regulations and register new signings, including Olmo. Reports suggest that Barcelona is contemplating various player departures to manage their financial constraints and secure Olmo’s registration. Notable players such as Ilkay Gündogan, Clément Lenglet, Mikayil Faye, and Vitor Roque are said to be on the verge of leaving the club to facilitate Olmo’s inclusion. Lenglet, in particular, is expected to sign a contract extension until 2027 and proceed on a season-long loan to Atlético Madrid, thereby aiding Barcelona in their efforts to make room for new signings.
In addition to Lenglet’s potential loan move, Mikayil Faye is set to join French side Rennes in a lucrative deal, paving the way for Barcelona to reacquire him in the future. Meanwhile, Vitor Roque is poised to embark on a loan spell at Real Betis after failing to secure a spot in Barcelona’s first team following his transfer from Club Athletico Paranaense. These strategic player movements aim to address Barcelona’s financial challenges and enable them to register new acquisitions promptly. One notable absentee from Barcelona’s squad is Andreas Christensen, who is sidelined with an Achilles injury, necessitating an extended period of rehabilitation.
In the absence of Dani Olmo, midfielder Fermín López has been named in Barcelona’s squad for the upcoming fixture, marking his first appearance this season. Lopez’s return follows his successful stints with Spain at the European Championships and the Olympic Games, underscoring his potential impact on Barcelona’s midfield. However, Barcelona will also be without key players such as Ronald Araújo, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Ansu Fati, further testing the squad’s depth and resilience in the midst of challenging circumstances. Coach Hansi Flick remains optimistic about overcoming these obstacles and assembling a competitive lineup to face Athletic Club.
Dani Olmo’s absence from Barcelona’s LaLiga clash against Athletic Club underscores the club’s financial constraints and the intricate process of player registration in professional football. Despite the setback, Barcelona’s proactive approach to resolving these challenges and facilitating player movements demonstrates their commitment to compliance with league regulations and long-term sustainability. As Barcelona navigates through a transitional period, the resilience and adaptability of the squad will be pivotal in overcoming adversity and achieving success on the pitch.