“Ever since I left Barcelona, my goal was to return.” – Dani Olmo on leaving RB Leipzig
On Friday, it was announced that Dani Olmo’s transfer from RB Leipzig to Barcelona was made official.
It is understood that the Die Roten Bullen will receive an overall package of €60 million for the Spaniard’s services, with the club already plotting his successor as Olympique Lyonnais’ Rayan Cherki is set to sign for Leipzig.
Nevertheless, Olmo will be a significant loss for the Bundesliga outfit, having been a key player for Marco Rose’s side when fit to feature.
However, it is for this reason that Olmo’s departure may feel less impactful, with the Euro 2024 winner having only been able to appear for 47% of the minutes available to him during his time in Saxony.
Regardless, for as magnificent a player Olmo was at Leipzig, he was also a valued member of the squad, something made more than apparent in his farewell message to the club:
“Leipzig has become like a home for me. I spent important years of my career here. I grew up here, won my first titles with the club. It was a dream for me to move from Croatia to Leipzig four and a half years ago. Now I can say: I am happy with how everything turned out. The whole journey that we experienced together was special for me.”
“I have to thank Oliver Mintzlaff and Markus Krösche, who brought me here. Also, my former coach, Julian Nagelsmann, for his trust; he brought me here and kept his word on everything he promised. I have developed very well under all the coaches here. Special thanks go to Marco Rose; we have had a close relationship over the last two years. I wish him only the best; he deserves it.”
“I had a special connection with Emil (Forsberg); we always played together in the second season; sometimes he was in front of me on the pitch, sometimes behind me. Friendships for life were formed with Josko (Gvardiol), Benni (Henrichs), and Xavi (Simons). There were many good moments and beautiful memories that I will always keep in my heart.”
It is clear to see that Olmo will not have burned any bridges at the Red Bull Arena, and those at the club will wish him the best as he looks to conquer La Liga with Barcelona.
But, for Olmo, this move means even more personally, having departed the club while in their academy to seek first-team football with Dinamo Zagreb.
“Ever since I left Barcelona, my goal was to return. I’ve said it more or less. But I couldn’t hide it. It was a dream for me.”
Therefore, with his dream move having come to fruition, those who saw him dazzle and delight on a weekly basis in the Bundesliga will be wishing him the best in Spain.
GGFN | Will Shopland
