Latest developments
- Dani Olmo could move to Manchester United for free in January.
- Barcelona are struggling to re-register him for the second half of the season.
- The player's agent has been in Manchester to discuss a deal.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Agent already in Manchester
Man Utd could be about to pull off an incredible transfer coup by signing Dani Olmo for free despite a £415 million buyout clause in his contract.
This comes from caughtoffside.com, who report that Olmo's agent has already come to Manchester to discuss a deal, with La Liga regulations making it tough for Barca to re-register him for the second half of the season.
Value (5/5): Barcelona won't get a penny
The Catalan giants signed him for £51 million in the summer from RB Leipzig, but his contract and release clause could be torn up if they cannot get Olmo registered next month.
United will have to spend heavily on wages, but a free transfer for one of the most highly-rated attacking midfielders will be an incredible bargain.
Suitability (4/5): Bright start made
He may never have played in England, but Olmo's varied career has seen him excel in Germany, Croatia and on the international stage as one of the top players at UEFA Euro 2024.
With seven goal involvements in 15 appearances, he has made a strong start for the Blaugrana, and can be a gamechanger for United if he can bring that form to Old Trafford.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): One area United aren't struggling
Olmo would be an upgrade on the United squad as a whole, yet one of the few areas the Red Devils don't need improvement is at attacking midfield, where Bruno Fernandes has been one of their best performers despite an average start under Ruben Amorim.
Logic (3/5): What about the blue side of Manchester?
The word is that Olmo's agent is also talking to Man City on this trip to England, and with City in need of a refresh at attacking midfield, the 26-year-old could go to the Etihad and have that position nailed down for the next few seasons.
Whisper+ verdict: 18.5/25
Available for free, it makes sense for United to discuss the deal no matter who they already have in his position. Barcelona could get things sorted out with La Liga, but there seems to be no guarantee, and Olmo will want his future sorted.
