Barcelona refuse to raise Dani Olmo offer after making improved bid as they prepare to wait for RB Leipzig star's release clause to kick in

Despite Olmo's desire to join the Catalan giants, Leipzig remains steadfast in their financial demands, creating a tense standoff between the two clubs. Initially, Barcelona offered €40 million (£34m/$44m) plus an additional €20m (£17m/$22m) in variables, which Leipzig promptly rejected. The Catalan club then raised their offer to €47m (£40m/$51m) fixed, plus €3m (£2.5m/$3m) based on the player’s game appearances, and an additional €10m (£8.5m/$11m) in potential bonuses for future titles.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are not eager to further raise the offer as the €50m (£43m/$55m) fee aligns with Olmo’s exit clause effective next season. With new sporting director Marcel Schafer taking charge on August 1, Leipzig plan to carefully evaluate Barcelona’s latest offer in the coming days. The club leaders are scheduled to meet with Olmo’s agents next week to discuss further details.

A significant point of contention in the negotiations is the payment structure. Initially, Barcelona proposed paying €10m over four years, starting in January 2025. However, the revised offer includes an upfront payment of approximately €25m (£21m/$27m), with half due in September and the remaining amount paid in installments. Despite these adjustments, Leipzig have yet to respond formally, and the negotiations remain in a delicate balance.

Olmo is enjoying a holiday in Croatia with his partner and plans to meet with his agents in Zagreb to get updated on the progress of the negotiations. Meanwhile, Barcelona are working against the clock, aiming to finalise the transfer before August 8, the date Leipzig has set for Olmo to return for pre-season training.