Flick hoping Olmo issues behind Barcelona after Gundogan exit
Barcelona are optimistic that their new signing, Dani Olmo, will be available for their upcoming LaLiga match against Athletic Bilbao. The midfielder, who joined the club from RB Leipzig after a successful Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, has yet to make his debut due to registration issues.
The club has faced financial challenges in recent years and has taken steps to address these issues, including the departure of Ilkay Gundogan to Manchester City. Barcelona hopes that these measures will allow them to comply with LaLiga’s strict salary cap rules and register Olmo.
Barcelona host Bilbao in their second LaLiga game of the season after beating Valencia 2-1 on matchday one.
Olmo, who arrived in a €60m deal from RB Leipzig after helping Spain win Euro 2024, did not feature in this match and is not yet registered in LaLiga.
Barcelona have faced well-documented financial problems in recent years and approved the return of Ilkay Gundogan to Manchester City on Friday in the hope that the move will allow them to meet the league’s strict salary cap rules.
Flick hopes to receive positive news regarding Olmo’s availability ahead of Saturday’s game: “It’s not my job, we worked well this week.
“Olmo is ready to play and I hope he will be in the team, that will be very positive for us. In training he is amazing and it is important to have him as soon as possible.”
At Euro 2024, Olmo became the first Spanish player to score in three successive European Championship games, despite only starting three of La Roja’s seven matches.
His five goal involvements (three goals, two assists) were also the most by a Spaniard at a major tournament since David Silva at Euro 2012 (two goals, three assists).
Olmo scored 29 goals and added 34 assists across 148 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig, for whom he created 32 chances in 21 Bundesliga outings in 2023-24.
Flick’s side will be missing Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong due to injuries on Saturday but will welcome back Fermin Lopez, who rejoins the squad after winning the Euros and Olympic gold with Spain.
“From what I see, he [Lopez] will be ready to play. It was important for him to rest after two tournaments,” Flick said.
Flick was also asked about the threat posed by Bilbao forward Nico Williams, who was linked with a move to Barca after starring alongside Lamine Yamal at the Euros.
“It’s not my job to talk about a player from the opposing team,” he said.
“Bilbao are physically very strong and they have a great coach. It will be a tough game.”
