If only they weren't broke... Barcelona targets Bernardo and Olmo have pro-Barca clauses in their contracts

Barcelona remains an attractive destination for high-level players despite the club's financial constraints due to salary caps. Two such players are attacking midfielders, Bernardo Silva and Dani Olmo. According to Mundo Deportivo's sources, both players included release clauses in their recent contract renewals with their respective clubs, contemplating a potential move to Barcelona next year.

Bernardo Silva recently renewed his contract with Manchester City. Although he is a vital player for Pep Guardiola, his previous contract didn't reflect his importance within the team in terms of salary. He had declined contract extension offers in the past two years as he had hoped for a move to Barcelona. However, due to Barcelona's financial difficulties this year, a transfer did not materialize despite being the top target for Xavi and his coaching staff.

Rafa and Carragher predicted Pepe's downfall years ago

In an effort to improve his contract terms and considering Barcelona's financial situation, Bernardo agreed to extend his City contract by only one year (from 2025 to 2026) with an improved salary, making him one of the highest earners on the team. He also included a release clause set at $62 million, significantly lower than his previous valuation by City, which was between $90 million and $110 million.

Bernardo Silva's desire remains to sign for Barcelona, hence the inclusion of a release clause in his contract. However, the challenge is that time is passing, and if Barcelona were to sign him next year, he would already be 30 years old.

Additionally, Bernardo became a father for the first time at the end of August, which added urgency to his decision. Barcelona attempted to sign him with a limited structure. They requested a free loan of Bernardo for a year with an obligatory buy option next summer for £50 million. Now, after his recent renewal, the Portuguese international has officially set that price, meaning that if Barcelona or another club convinces him to sign, they will only need to pay that amount to City.

Dani Olmo is another player highly regarded by Xavi. Like Bernardo Silva, the Terrassa-born Spaniard renewed his contract with RB Leipzig earlier this year, extending it until 2027. Despite becoming their standout player, Olmo wasn't among the top five earners in his team. He also included a release clause in his contract, given that Leipzig was selling their players for astronomical fees. He set a release clause of $65 million, roughly the same as Bernardo's, but is five years younger.

Olmo is a versatile player who can perform well in the false left-wing position. He is also effective in all three attacking roles and even as a midfielder, as he has demonstrated with the national team. Moreover, he was developed in Barcelona's youth system and is well-versed in the club's positional play and style. He has also been influenced by Croatian and German football, having played for Dinamo Zagreb, where he rose to prominence, and Leipzig.

Dani Olmo has been linked with Barcelona for several years. He is interested in taking a significant step in his career, and donning the Blaugrana shirt would mean returning home. However, other clubs like Real Madrid, Atletico, and Manchester City are also keeping an eye on him, with City initially considering him as a replacement for Bernardo Silva.

The draw of Barcelona remains strong - especially for the players who grew up at the club or who fell in love with the game watching the great Blaugrana sides in this century. But money is still a big stumbling block for the Catalans - and it's a problem that won't be solved overnight.