‘Fans can rest assured…’ – Barcelona midfielder breaks silence on exit rumours and welcomes new signings | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has provided a fascinating insight into his journey back to the club, while also addressing transfer speculation, the team’s Champions League ambitions and the growing excitement surrounding the squad being built for the future.

In an extensive interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Spain international reflected on the moment he became convinced that a return to Barcelona would finally happen. 

Having been linked with the club on multiple occasions over the years, Olmo admitted that he only truly believed the move was real after receiving clear signals from within the club following the European Championship.

“After the Euros. When they told me: ‘Dani, we didn’t want to say anything whilst you were focused on the tournament, but you should know that Barça are coming on strong and this time they’re really serious.’

“That’s when I believed it. And I’d say that Deco’s visit to Leipzig was when I really saw the genuine interest and realised they wanted me.”

Transfer speculation

With the transfer window now open, Olmo’s name has once again appeared in reports linking him with clubs outside Spain, including Arsenal. 

However, the midfielder left no room for doubt when asked about his future.

“No, Barça fans can rest assured. As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing more to say.”

Dani Olmo will not leave Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old also spoke about the demands that come with representing Barcelona, explaining that expectations at the club are unlike anywhere else.

“The pressure of having to win everything. It’s the hardest thing, but it’s also something you get used to.”

A strong season and UCL disappointment

Despite winning several domestic trophies since arriving, Olmo admitted that the squad continues to feel the disappointment of falling short in Europe. 

The midfielder believes Barcelona are close to competing for the biggest prize but insists small moments have made the difference.

“We’re very close. I think we’ve got what it takes, but in the end it comes down to the finer details, the nuances, the goals, the centimetres. 

“We all have that nagging feeling because we know we can do it and that we can win it. 

“That’s why we were so gutted last year against Inter Milan and this year against Atlético Madrid, because in my opinion they weren’t better teams than us and we could have been in the final, down to the finer details.”

On transfer activities

Furthermore, the midfielder welcomed the possibility of top-level arrivals and made it clear that raising the quality of the squad remains essential.

Olmo has welcomed new signings at Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Speaking about players linked with the club, including Julian Alvarez, Bernardo Silva and Joško Gvardiol, and the arrival of Anthony Gordon, Olmo said: 

“At the end of the day, the best players have to play for Barça. Gordon is a signing who’s going to raise the team’s standard.

“We’d obviously like to welcome him from here and wish him a good World Cup, though not against Spain. They’re world-class names. 

“Anyone who comes in to add to the squad and raise the team’s standard will always be welcome.”

Dressing room harmony

Beyond transfers, Olmo also highlighted the strong bond within the dressing room and revealed that the close friendships he shares with many current players played a role in convincing him to return.

“Yes. Many of us came through the youth academy and we’ve got a really close-knit group. And that was one of the things that motivated me to join as well. 

“Apart from being able to play with Lamine, Pedri, Gavi or Ferran in the national team, being able to do so every weekend, train with them and spend time together. 

“After all, they were my friends and I only saw them once every two months during the international break.”