DANI OLMO is set to be banned from playing for Barcelona — which could see him leave on a free transfer.
Olmo, 26, only joined the Spanish giants in August in a £50million deal from RB Leipzig.
The La Masia graduate was seen as a major coup for Barcelona following his star turn for winners Spain at Euro 2024.
However, Olmo was unable to be registered by his new club due to their ongoing financial issues.
And the playmaker was forced to miss Barcelona’s first two matches of the season before getting an unlikely reprieve.
A long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Hansi Flick’s side to register Olmo as an emergency player.
And he has since gone on to register six goals and one assist in 14 matches, helping his side top the LaLiga table.
However, Olmo’s temporary registration expires at the end of the year.
It means Barcelona have to find a way to get him in their squad officially.
And if they cannot find a solution, Olmo will effectively be banned from playing for his boyhood club.
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According to the Athletic, that then opens the door for the midfielder to sensationally quit Barcelona on a free transfer.
It’s reckoned Olmo was aware of the registration issue when he returned to Catalonia.
And as part of the deal, a clause was inserted in his contract allowing Olmo to leave Barcelona for free in January should he be unable to play.
The title hopefuls now have until December 31 to either make some sales or drastically increase their revenue, as they are not allowed to re-register Olmo for a second time.
But sporting director Deco is confident the superstar will still be a Barca player come the end of the month.
He said: “Yes of course (we will register Olmo properly). We’re working on it and everyone is calm.
“There are internal issues at the club. Don’t worry, we’ll fix it. The player is calm, don’t worry.”
Barcelona reportedly hope to solve the issue imminently after agreeing a new kit deal with Nike.
However, it must first be approved through a members’ vote, due to go ahead on December 21.
Should that fall through, Barcelona are also reportedly looking to sell the rights to their VIP boxes at the Nou Camp.
And the final option is for a board member to “put up a personal guarantee”, with neither Barcelona or Olmo even thinking about a potential exit in January.
