Liverpool transfers: Barcelona to MISS OUT on long-term target as Reds circle

Liverpool are reportedly one of several clubs in the mix for a new attacking midfielder - and it’s enough for Barcelona to give up hope.

Sport reports that Barcelona almost certainly won't sign Dani Olmo anytime soon. The Spanish attacking midfielder could be on the move later this year, but the finances involved force Xavi's side out of the race.

Olmo earns too much money as it is, while his release clause sits around £54m. Barcelona are put off, though Premier League clubs aren't.

The report mentions the 'Big Six' as interested in Olmo, including Liverpool. They would be able to afford the 26-year-old, who is coming into his prime right now.

It's also possible that Liverpool will want more of an out-and-out attacking midfielder under likely-new manager Arne Slot. Olmo, then, could fit the bill nicely and his release clause makes it a signing that's very much on the cards.

Liverpool like Dani Olmo

Barcelona have chased Olmo for a very long time. After all, he started there as a youngster before taking the eyebrow-raising decision to leave them for Dinamo Zagreb.

It was an inspired decision on Olmo's part. He thrived in Croatia, earning himself a move to RB Leipzig in 2020. He's now a key player for Spain and Barcelona have wanted him back for years.

But could Liverpool use him? They already have an abundance of attacking midfielders, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Harvey Elliott all pretty natural in the role. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch could both play there, too, while Fabio Carvalho is on his way back from loan.

So even if you believe Olmo is an upgrade, it's just not a priority position for Liverpool. Not like defensive midfield is, anyway.

But the most worrying thing about Olmo - and it's enough to put us off, certainly - is that he doesn't actually play all that often. He's missed 27 games for Leipzig and Spain this season. Last season it was 20 games.

Olmo has started 17 games in the Bundesliga across this campaign, with one more to play. That number was only 15 last season and seven the year before. His combined minutes across the last three Bundesliga seasons are the equivalent of 38 full games.

That's just not worth over £50m. Especially in a position Liverpool don't particularly need to strengthen.