The pressure exerted by a handful of clubs to prevent FC Barcelona from registering Dani Olmo hasn't been poorly received by everyone at Barça.
The disappearance of Dani Olmo from Hansi Flick's line-ups opens the gates of heaven to a series of Barça players. It'll now be easier for them to secure a starting position.
The Three Beneficiaries of Olmo's Absence
This is the case for Gavi and Fermín but especially for Frenkie De Jong, who had been completely sidelined and now regains prominence.
The Dutch midfielder at Barça has remained unfazed by the pressures of the club. Barcelona has been looking for an exit for him from Camp Nou for two years.
Laporta saw Frenkie De Jong as the best boost to balance his financial statements and comply with financial fair play regulations. His salary is one of the highest on the team and his departure would've solved many problems.
The Second Most Expensive Player on the Team
Only Robert Lewandowski ($33 million gross) earns more than him in the current Barça. Frenkie is second in the ranking, with $23 million, far ahead of the third, Raphinha, with $12.5 million.
Flick had already stopped counting on him in his line-ups, but Dani Olmo's situation brings back his lost prominence. He can fulfilll the role Olmo played at Barça.
In Flick's schemes, he had already disappeared from his former pivot position. There, Casadó and Pedri are permanent fixtures, awaiting the return of Marc Bernal, who has a long-term injury.
The Candidate to Play behind Lewandowski
He only considered him in the attacking midfielder positions occupied by Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Dani Olmo. Frenkie De Jong now becomes the number one candidate to play behind Lewandowski near the area.
Frenkie De Jong's contract with FC Barcelona ends on June 30, 2026. His desire is to stay at Barça, but he hasn't accepted any of the renewal offers, which have always been lower.
Laporta intended to extend his contract to sell him, avoiding his leaving for free without bringing in any money. However, Frenkie doesn't accept a lower renewal,and everything points to his deciding to leave Barça when his contract terminates; not before.
He Arrived at Barça under Bartomeu
Meanwhile, he has a year and a half to make up for the disappointment his performance has caused among the blaugrana fans. He arrived under Bartomeu six seasons ago.
During that time, he has played as a blaugrana in 227 matches, with 18 goals and 21 assists. That is little for what was expected from the most promising midfielder in European soccer in 2019.
However, everything has changed for him. Dani Olmo's situation opens the doors to a starting position. His time on the bench is over and now it's up to him to win over the fans or not.