Last summer, FC Barcelona made a significant bet with the arrival of Dani Olmo. The board paid €55 million convinced that he would be one of the strategic signings of the Laporta era. The attacking midfielder, raised at La Masia, returned to Camp Nou with the promise of becoming an undisputed starter.
The initial enthusiasm, however, hasn't translated into consistent performance on the field. Injuries and a lack of regularity have weighed too heavily at the start of this season. At the club, voices are already circulating that seriously consider the option of a radical change in that position.
Olmo's problem at Barça
Olmo has been a substitute in the first two league matches and has barely shown flashes of quality. In the third matchday, when he finally started, his game was marked by inconsistency and a lack of influence. That performance has caused concern among the coaching staff, who expected much more from the player.
With a high salary and a recent transfer, Barça don't want to talk about failure yet. But Deco, always alert to the market, is already working on alternative scenarios. The sporting director knows that the squad needs immediate balance if it wants to compete with guarantees on all fronts.
The idea of strengthening with a younger, more versatile profile with room for growth is gaining traction. Surprisingly, the solution isn't in a distant destination, but in the Spanish capital.
The unexpected option in Madrid
According to Madrid-Barcelona.com, a recent signing of Atlético de Madrid hasn't managed to adapt. He has only been at the Metropolitano for a few weeks and is already showing some discomfort with the role assigned to him by Diego Pablo Simeone. The midfielder expected significant minutes from the start, but has encountered fierce competition.
The relationship with the Argentine coach doesn't seem to be flowing in the best way either. This context opens the door to a future move that could shake up the winter transfer market. Deco, aware of the opportunity, keeps a constant watch on the situation.
The most striking thing is that the player himself was very close to Barça before deciding on Atlético. The deal wasn't closed then, but in Barcelona they haven't forgotten his profile. Now that his future is in doubt, he reappears as a clear alternative to Dani Olmo.
A profile that attracts Deco
He is a young footballer, with proven talent and a versatility that makes him extremely useful. He can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even move to the wing depending on the team's needs. His vision, technical ability, and competitive character make him a profile highly valued by Hansi Flick.
Moreover, it's no secret that his style is reminiscent of Olmo's, but with more room for improvement. His growth potential makes Barça see him as an investment for the future, not just an immediate fix.
The board also knows that a deal with Atlético wouldn't be easy, but it is possible. Even more so if the player himself starts to push for an exit in search of the prominence he currently lacks.
The protagonist of this story is none other than Álex Baena, a recent signing of Atlético de Madrid. His arrival caused excitement at the Metropolitano, but the lack of minutes has set off the alarm. In Barcelona, they believe his style would fit much better in Flick's system than in Simeone's.
Deco is already working behind the scenes to try to revive an interest that never disappeared. Barça see him as a player capable of surpassing Dani Olmo's performance and becoming one of the leaders of the future.