According to a recent report by Mundo Deportivo (translated by The Daily Mail), Barcelona have pulled out of the chase to secure the services of Dinamo Zagreb playmaker Dani Olmo during this January transfer period. It is believed that the La Liga leaders have cooled their interest in the Spanish sensation this month and are now focussing on bringing in a suitable replacement for Luis Suarez, who is out for four months due to injury (via Mundo Deportivo).
Olmo’s Spectacular Rise For Both Club And Country
The 21-year-old has enjoyed another productive campaign in Croatia after he put in several eye-catching performances under Nenad Bjelica’s stewardship. He has played in 22 matches for Dinamo this term, scoring eight goals while creating seven assists across all competitions.
Olmo’s form in the UEFA Champions League group-stages has been impressive after he averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 1.8 clearances, 2.2 shots, 1.0 key passes and 3.0 dribbles per game in Europe this season (stats via whoscored).
The Terrassa-born youngster also earned his first senior cap for the Spanish national side in a UEFA Euro qualifier against Malta back in November last year. He managed to score in that game which goes to show that he can perform at a high level even when the spotlight is on him.
What Are The Spanish Prospect’s Strengths?
Olmo has decent pace under his belt and is a very good dribbler down the wide areas. He possesses outstanding close control when in possession of the ball and can take up some decent positions in the final third. The Spanish whizkid has proved time and time again that he can regularly score or create goals for his team. However, he needs a bigger platform if he intends to break out as a world-class player in his position someday.
Did Barca Make The Right Call By Dropping Their Interest In Olmo?
It seems unfortunate that the Catalans have prioritised on signing a replacement for Suarez rather than trying their best to land Olmo before the end of this month. He would have been a brilliant acquisition for Barca in the long-run.
However, the Spanish giants are in dire need of a world-class forward as they already have a lot of depth in the wide positions. Therefore, it seems like they have made the right call by opting against a move for Olmo this winter.
