Dani Olmo rejected two separate approaches from FC Bayern Munich during his career, choosing instead to join RB Leipzig in January 2020 and return to FC Barcelona in the summer of 2024, according to statements from his agent Andy Bara reported by Transfermarkt. The decisions by the Spain international ultimately redirected the Bavarian club down a different path in the transfer market, leading to the acquisition of Michael Olise.
Agent Andy Bara Reveals 2020 Rejection and Leipzig Move
Speaking in the podcast Incubator, agent Andy Bara of the Niagara Sports Company detailed the initial rejection of Bayern Munich when Olmo was still under contract with Dinamo Zagreb, as reported by Transfermarkt. Bara advised the player that a direct move to the German record champions was premature. “Er hat Bayern auf meine Initiative hin abgelehnt, als er noch bei Dinamo war. Ich sagte ihm: Du brauchst einen weiteren Schritt nach vorn. So kam es dann auch,” Bara explained in remarks highlighted across German sports media, including n-tv.de.
Instead of moving to the Säbener Straße in January 2020, Olmo completed a transfer to RB Leipzig. The Saxony club paid a reported 34.2 million euros, including bonuses and a resale participation clause, to secure the playmaker from Zagreb, placing him fifth on the club’s all-time record arrival list according to Transfermarkt figures.
Success in Leipzig and the Second Bayern Approach
During his tenure in Saxony, Olmo accumulated 148 competitive appearances, contributed to 63 goals, and captured two DFB-Pokal titles despite battling periodic injuries. His profile rose further during the international calendar, where he starred during Spain’s run to the European Championship title in 2024, registering three goals and two assists.
Bayern officials renewed their pursuit of the midfielder while he was established at Leipzig, hoping to anchor their creative department. However, the player’s camp again opted against a move to Munich. When Barcelona entered the fray in the summer of 2024, Olmo favored a return to La Masia, the academy where he had trained between 2007 and 2014 before his move to Croatia.
Olmo Secures Titles After Returning to Barcelona
Barcelona completed the transfer by paying 61 million euros to Leipzig, marking the sixth most expensive RB departure. Since returning to Catalonia, Olmo has recorded 96 appearances with 40 direct goal involvements, helping secure two Spanish league titles and a Copa del Rey, alongside contributing to Spain’s broader international tournament successes, including the 2026 World Cup title.
Olmo remains under contract at Barcelona until June 30, 2030. While current squad competition under manager Hansi Flick has occasionally limited his starting assignments—featuring in three of eight initial league starts while providing three assists—the playmaker’s long-term aspirations involve an eventual return to Dinamo Zagreb to finish his playing career and potentially transition into coaching, as detailed by his representative in the Incubator podcast.
How Missing Out on Olmo Benefited Bayern Munich
Missing out on Olmo proved to be an unexpected stroke of good fortune for Bayern Munich, purely due to the subsequent performance of the player they signed instead. With Olmo’s destination set on Barcelona, Bayern pivoted their scouting focus and secured Michael Olise from Crystal Palace for 53 million euros.
Olise developed into a world-class contributor in Munich, registering 108 goal involvements across 114 appearances and establishing a valuation of 170 million euros, making him the most valuable player in Bundesliga history. Transfermarkt records underline that the tactical pivot from Olmo to Olise ultimately provided the Bavarian attack with historic productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dani Olmo’s Transfers
How much did RB Leipzig pay Dinamo Zagreb for Dani Olmo in 2020?
RB Leipzig paid 34.2 million euros, including performance bonuses and a resale participation clause, making him the fifth most expensive incoming transfer in the club’s history.
What was the transfer fee when Dani Olmo moved from RB Leipzig to FC Barcelona?
FC Barcelona paid an agreed fee of 61 million euros in the summer of 2024 to bring the Spanish international back to his youth academy roots.
What are Dani Olmo’s long-term career plans according to his agent?
Agent Andy Bara revealed in the Incubator podcast that Olmo eventually wants to finish his professional playing career at Dinamo Zagreb and hopes to begin his coaching career at the Croatian club.
Why did Bayern Munich sign Michael Olise instead of Dani Olmo?
After initial approaches for Olmo failed—first during his time in Zagreb and later when he chose Barcelona—Bayern turned their attention to Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise for a fee of 53 million euros.
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