Dani Olmo still believes in the Barcelona project and is ready to shun interest from the two Manchester clubs, according to his agent Andy Bara.
Olmo’s temporary registration at financially-troubled Barca ended on December 31 and La Liga rules stipulate a player cannot be registered twice in the same season.
Barca have taken the governing body to court – they deem La Liga to be ‘incompetent’ – but have so far failed to overturn the ruling.
It leaves Olmo in limbo but, while he is technically eligible to leave on a free transfer, Bara insists the Spain international is committed to the Blaugrana.
He told Give Me Sport: “Dani is a Barcelona player and he wants to be a Barcelona player. He has made a big effort in his life to be at Barcelona. It was his desire for a long time.
“Barcelona is the first and last option! Dani, his father, family, me, we’re not thinking about other options.”
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Local boy Olmo only has eyes for Barca
Olmo was born in the Catalonian city of Terrassa and Bara says there is an emotional tie to Barcelona.
He said: “We have never made any career decision for money. Dani plays football as he loves the game, he made a massive effort to be at Barcelona.
“I’m also happy to have Dani at Barcelona, he’s one of the best players in the world at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“They made a big effort to bring in Dani last summer. We like their project, it’s a big one for the future, one of the best in the world in the next years. We fully believe Barcelona will win all the titles in the future like they did during the [Lionel] Messi era. The player, the family, me. We all wanted Dani to be at Barcelona.”
No interest in Manchester move
Olmo has been linked with both Manchester clubs but Bara believes Barca and La Liga will find some common ground and find a solution.
“To be honest, I feel calm,” Bara said.
“It could feel strange but I believe in president [Joan] Laporta, Deco and I feel they will find a solution for Dani. It’s a massive club.
“I believe that Barcelona will finalise everything and make it happen.
“La Liga should help them, instead of these reports of Dani not being available for the national team, but I’m sure he will be at Barca for many years. He’s happy at the club and Dani has a desire to be there.”
Unless the matter is resolved swiftly, Olmo will play no part in tomorrow’s Copa del Rey clash at Barbastro or the Spanish Super Cup semi-final meeting with Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.
