Reports suggesting that Manchester United are looking at a talented attacking midfielder with a £52 million release clause in his contract are coming as no surprise to the player’s current employers.
After all, in today’s market, such a sum feels like good value. Especially when you consider that we are talking about one of the most well-rounded footballers in his position. One who is not only a reliable source of goals from midfield but of creativity too. A hard-running, high-pressing, tactically flexible and still only 25-year-old player who has also been hailed for his leadership skills on and off the pitch.
Manchester United, the Daily Mail say, are watchingDani Olmo ahead of the summer transfer window. As are Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea and Real Madrid, the one-time Barcelona starlet scoring a goal any of the aforementioned quartet’s very finest midfielders would have been proud off as he tied the Brazil backline in knots during last week’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain.
Manchester United keen on RB Leipzig ace Dani Olmo
Now, RB Leipzig supporters would bristle at the notion that they are a ‘selling club’. But the fact is that at least one key player tends to depart the Red Bull Arena every summer. And if the rumours of that release clause are true, then this may be the year when Olmo follows in the footsteps of Dominik Szoboszlai, Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku, Hwang Hee-Chan, Marcel Sabitzer, Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate.
Sporting director Rouven Schroder, however, insists that there is nothing to suggest that Olmo will pursue a fresh start himself, even if interest is to be expected.
“All I can say is that he feels incredibly comfortable with us,” Schroder tells Kicker. “He hasn’t just been here for six months and isn’t just passing through. He’s been playing for us for four years now.”
Leipzig signed Olmo from Dinamo Zagreb back in 2020, the Spain regular taking the very brave decision to leave the cushiony comfort of the La Masia academy for the harsh world of first-team football in Croatia.
United’s next Bruno Fernandes
“On the other hand, it is clear that difference-makers like Dani are in demand everywhere,” Schroder adds. “Ultimately, we are relaxed because we are enjoying what we have with the boys. And because we are convinced that nobody will give up what they have in Leipzig easily.”
Man United’s interest comes at a time in which nobody at Old Trafford – perhaps the chosen few like Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – can be assured of their future at a club planning big changes under Ineos.
With Bruno Fernandes turning 30 and with his performances patchy of late, those links with Olmo may suggest that even the United skipper cannot afford to rest on his laurels ahead of the dawn of a new era.