At the time of writing, Barcelona star Dani Olmo is just hours away from missing the second half of the season as the Blaugrana attempt to sign him. Pau Victor is in the same boat, but unlike Olmo, he does not have a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for free.
Barcelona have sent documentation of their agreement to sell the rights to their VIP seats at the Camp Nou for €100 million over 20 years to a Qatari fund for La Liga. However, La Liga has requested proof of payment, in this case at least 20% of the fee to ratify the deal. Sport says Barcelona have now sent this documentation and La Liga is assessing it, but a long night is expected.
Olmo's agent Andy Bara has stated that he will stay at Barcelona regardless of what happens, but no doubt other clubs will try to convince him to exercise the clause that allows him to leave for free in January. If he does, Barcelona will be liable not only for the full fee agreed with RB Leipzig, but also for Olmo's entire contract on the six-year deal, says MD.
The deal with Leipzig was initially set at €55 million, with the potential to rise to €62 million with variables, but if he leaves now it seems unlikely he will hit much of that. Including bonuses, his contract has a maximum payout of €48 million. If he is not registered, Victor will leave on loan in January.
The issue is being talked about as a potential referendum on Joan Laporta's presidency in Barcelona. If he cannot register Olmo, he will appeal to the Spain international's goodwill to sit out six months of football and save the club from a potential €110 million mistake with Laporta's name on it.
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