Dani Olmo rejected €40m Saudi contract in January, report claims
Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo turned down a lucrative contract offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah during the January transfer window, according to a report from Catalan outlet Sport. The Spanish international is said to have rejected a four-year deal worth €40m, despite the Saudi club's readiness to pay Barcelona a €60m transfer fee for his services.
The report states that Al-Qadsiah, who are reportedly still interested in Olmo ahead of the summer, made a significant push to sign the 27-year-old in the winter. Their proposal involved a substantial financial package for the player and a major fee for Barcelona, but Olmo's refusal to entertain a move to Saudi Arabia ended negotiations before they could progress. The player is said to have no desire to leave Catalonia for a second time, having rejoined the club from RB Leipzig in 2024.
Olmo's return to Barcelona, for a fee reported to be around €60m, has yet to consistently meet expectations. While he has displayed flashes of the creative quality that made him a sought-after talent, his form has been inconsistent, leading to scrutiny over his long-term role at the club. This context has fueled speculation about his future, with Italian champions Inter also recently linked with an interest in the playmaker.
For Barcelona, the revelation highlights a potential financial opportunity that was bypassed due to the player's stance. The club's well-documented financial pressures mean the consideration of major offers for squad players is often a necessity. Olmo's decision to stay, however, maintains depth in Hansi Flick's midfield options as the team competes on multiple fronts this season.
The situation underscores the growing financial power of the Saudi Pro League, which continues to target elite European talent. For Al-Qadsiah, the failed move represents a significant setback in their recruitment plans, though the report suggests their interest remains active. Olmo's commitment to Barcelona now places the onus on him to deliver more commanding performances to justify the club's initial investment and quieten the growing transfer talk.
His future at the Spotify Camp Nou will likely be influenced by his performances in the final months of the campaign. Should his inconsistent spell continue, Barcelona's hierarchy may be more inclined to consider substantial offers that arrive this summer, especially from European suitors. For now, Olmo remains a part of Flick's plans, having chosen prestige and sporting ambition over a monumental financial offer.
