Barcelona winger Raphinha said on Tuesday that the Dani Olmo registration debacle might deter potential future signings from joining the Catalan giants.
Financially struggling Barcelona is urgently trying to get the Spanish playmaker registered for the second half of the season after his licence expired at the end of 2024. Earlier attempts to resolve the issue were twice rejected in court.
The club has now taken its case to Spain’s top sports court, but until a verdict is reached or a temporary measure is granted, both Olmo and striker Pau Victor remain unregistered.
Although both players have travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Copa del Rey winners Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, they are currently unable to play.
“I think it could (impact future signings); I can’t say no because I would be lying, and that’s not me. I don’t like lying or telling stories,” said Brazilian international Raphinha.
“The truth is that if I were at another club and saw the situation that Pau and Dani are in, maybe I would question whether it was the best decision to come here.
“But when I joined, I knew the club’s situation. I knew I had a chance to play in this shirt, and I waited until the last moment. I don’t regret it at all.”
Raphinha sympathised with Olmo and Victor, describing their predicament as tough.
“It’s hard for them; they don’t know if they can play or not,” he continued.
“It’s a pretty difficult and delicate situation. We hope those in charge resolve it as quickly as possible so they can play with us again.”
However, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick dismissed concerns, insisting the club remains an attractive option for players.
“I have confidence in the club… I know this club and what happens here, how great it is, and the quality of the team and the people around it,” said Flick. “I love everything about Barcelona, so I’d say, come on and sign the contract—I have no doubts about that.”
‘Pulling Together’
Flick, who is aiming to win his first trophy with Barcelona this week after arriving in the summer, urged the team to unite in the absence of Olmo and Victor, who both missed Saturday’s Copa del Rey Round of 32 win at Barbastro.
“We miss Olmo, of course, because he can change any match completely, but we have to accept it,” added Flick. “I think this can also be an opportunity for the team to grow closer as a unit. We need to defend and play as one team.”
Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde acknowledged that Olmo’s absence was advantageous for his side.
“Olmo is an extraordinary player, and if he can’t play tomorrow, well, what can I say?” Valverde said. “I feel for him because he brings prestige to the competition, but if he doesn’t play against us, so much the better.”
Valverde, who won two La Liga titles during his tenure at Barcelona, was sacked in January 2020 after a Spanish Super Cup semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah—the venue for Wednesday’s match.
“I know I coached my last Barca match here, in the same stadium,” Valverde added. “It happened; I’m in another place now, very happy, and tomorrow is a different game.”
Spanish champions Real Madrid will face Real Mallorca on Thursday in the second semi-final.
AFP
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