Dani Olmo, a marquee £51 million summer signing and a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, finds himself sidelined from La Liga, embroiled in Barcelona’s ongoing financial and administrative crisis. As of 1 January, Olmo and Pau Víctor were removed from Barcelona’s official list of registered players due to the club’s failure to meet La Liga’s stringent wage cap regulations. This debacle has further tarnished the reputation of the Catalan giants and their president, Joan Laporta.
A Sporting Setback
Olmo, who has scored six goals in 15 appearances this season, was registered temporarily for the first half of the campaign under special exemptions. However, the courts twice rejected Barcelona’s appeal to extend this arrangement. La Liga’s governing body cited a lack of necessary conditions to grant the precautionary registration.
The failure to secure Olmo’s registration leaves Barcelona without one of their most valuable assets on the pitch, forcing head coach Hansi Flick to navigate the remainder of the season without the influential forward. Meanwhile, the club must still honor the full payment of Olmo’s transfer fee to RB Leipzig and his long-term contract, which runs until 2030, creating a financial liability of approximately €120 million (£100 million).
Financial Turmoil
Barcelona’s financial struggles are at the core of this crisis. Accumulating over €1 billion in debt, the club has been unable to meet La Liga’s financial controls. Additionally, the ongoing renovation of the Spotify Camp Nou has added approximately €1.5 billion in debt, further straining the club’s resources.
A failed attempt to generate revenue through the sale of VIP seats at the future stadium highlighted Barcelona’s desperation. While the funds from this deal reportedly arrived after La Liga’s deadline, the governing body has refused to consider the late payment. The inability to meet these financial deadlines has forced Barcelona to explore controversial measures, including selling off parts of its identity and renegotiating player contracts.
Leadership Under Fire
The crisis has intensified scrutiny of Laporta’s leadership. Since assuming the presidency in 2021, Laporta’s tenure has been marked by financial instability, failed promises, and controversial decisions. From the departure of Lionel Messi to delays in the Camp Nou’s reopening, critics argue Laporta’s populist rhetoric has failed to translate into effective governance.
Compounding the issue is Laporta’s decision to leave critical executive roles unfilled following the resignations of Ferran Reverter and Eduard Romeu. This vacuum of leadership has left Laporta solely accountable for the fallout. Legal defeats in the courts and the lack of support from the Spanish Football Federation have left Barcelona isolated and exposed.
The Road Ahead
Barcelona’s immediate options are limited. The club has explored agreements to terminate the contracts of deregistered players like Olmo and Víctor, allowing them to leave for free and potentially return in the summer. However, this depends on player consent, and Olmo, despite his contract clause permitting him to leave without compensation, remains committed to the club for now.
The possibility of seeking provisional measures in a civil court offers a glimmer of hope but risks further legal entanglements. Meanwhile, opposition groups within the club are calling for drastic changes in leadership and strategy, warning that Barcelona’s future hangs in the balance.
A Crisis of Identity
This debacle transcends financial and sporting issues, striking at the heart of Barcelona’s identity. Once a symbol of footballing excellence, the club now faces questions about its values and direction. Fans and stakeholders are left grappling with the reality that years of mismanagement and short-term fixes have left Barcelona vulnerable to external pressures and internal discord.
For Olmo, the uncertainty mirrors the chaos surrounding his registration. Initially a sensation, his recent form has dipped, reflecting the instability at the club. For Barcelona, resolving this crisis will require more than temporary fixes; it demands a fundamental shift in leadership and strategy to restore the club’s standing as one of football’s most iconic institutions.
