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Manchester United, Manchester City 'join Liverpool, Barcelona in race for £51m attacker'

By Devesh Jaganath | 30 May 2024

Man Utd, Man City 'join Liverpool, Barcelona in race for £51m attacker'

Manchester United and Manchester City reportedly join the race with Barcelona and Liverpool to sign RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United and Manchester City have reportedly joined the race to sign RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo in the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder scored nine goals and provided five assists for the Bundesliga outfit this season and has also been on the radar of Barcelona and Liverpool.

Olmo initially came through Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy before establishing himself with Dinamo Zagreb.

The Spaniard continued to impress during his time at Stadion Maksimir in the 1. HNL, and secured a four-year deal to Leipzig.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, both Manchester giants are the latest clubs to signal their interest in the talented midfielder and are set to enter a fierce battle to secure his services for next season.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag celebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup on May 25, 2024 © Reuters

European heavyweights to battle for Olmo's signature

In addition to Barca and Liverpool, the report adds that Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the player after a poor season, which saw them relinquish the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen.

Olmo signed a new contract with Leipzig until 2027 last summer that included a £51m release clause, but it is understood that the clause is only active until the end of the European Championships, which gives interested clubs until mid-July to make a move for him.

Man City possesses the financial resources to meet the Spaniard's wage demands, making them an appealing destination for the attacker.

Additionally, Olmo, who is hoping to join a big European club capable of winning major trophies both domestically and abroad, may find it difficult to resist the opportunity to play for Pep Guardiola's side.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates with the trophy after winning the Premier League on May 19, 2024 © Reuters

Olmo could be ideal fit for Man City

Given potential departures such as Bernardo Silva and the uncertainty surrounding Jack Grealish's future, the Premier League champions are in need of bolstering their attacking midfield options.

Olmo's versatility across various positions, coupled with his ability to contribute goals and creativity, would undoubtedly enhance City's squad.

Meanwhile, Man United have relied heavily on Bruno Fernandes for both goals and creativity from central areas and Olmo could help share that burden and potentially serve as the ideal long-term successor to Christian Eriksen.

The Red Devils are expected to undergo a major overhaul in the summer, with the likes of Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial set to depart Old Trafford imminently, while Casemiro's future at the club is still up in the air.

In addition, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are expected to look to move on loanees Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Donny van de Beek in the offseason, which could help them raise the funds needed to bring in a player of Olmo's stature.

However, the major problem for United is that they are unable to offer the 26-year-old Champions League football, which is something that each of the aforementioned suitors can do.