(Football news) Barcelona and Liverpool have both been keeping an eye on the 26-year-old attacking midfielder, who led the Bundesliga team in goals scored and assists this season. Prior to establishing himself with Dinamo Zagreb, Olmo first came via Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy.
With Leipzig, the Spaniard signed a four-year contract after maintaining his impressive play while playing in the 1. HNL at Stadion Maksimir. The promising midfield player is attracting interest from a number of clubs, including Manchester giants, who will likely engage in a competitive transfer fight to recruit him for the 2016–17 campaign.
In addition to Barca and Liverpool, the report adds that Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the player after a poor season, which saw them relinquish the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen.
Olmo signed a new contract with Leipzig until 2027 last summer that included a £51m release clause, but it is understood that the clause is only active until the end of the European Championships, which gives interested clubs until mid-July to make a move for him.
Manchester City possesses the financial resources to meet the Spaniard’s wage demands, making them an appealing destination for the attacker.
Additionally, Olmo, who is hoping to join a big European club capable of winning major trophies both domestically and abroad, may find it difficult to resist the opportunity to play for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Given potential departures such as Bernardo Silva and the uncertainty surrounding Jack Grealish’s future, the Premier League champions are in need of bolstering their attacking midfield options.
Olmo’s versatility across various positions, coupled with his ability to contribute goals and creativity, would undoubtedly enhance City’s squad.
Meanwhile, Man United have relied heavily on Bruno Fernandes for both goals and creativity from central areas and Olmo could help share that burden and potentially serve as the ideal long-term successor to Christian Eriksen.
The Red Devils are expected to undergo a major overhaul in the summer, with the likes of Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial set to depart Old Trafford imminently, while Casemiro’s future at the club is still up in the air.
In addition, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are expected to look to move on loanees Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Donny van de Beek in the offseason, which could help them raise the funds needed to bring in a player of Olmo’s stature.
However, the major problem for Manchester United is that they are unable to offer the 26-year-old Champions League football, which is something that each of the aforementioned suitors can do.
Also read: Liverpool planning to replace striker Darwin Nunez
