Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is targeting his first silverware this week as his team competes in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, but the unresolved Dani Olmo registration saga looms large over the campaign.
The Catalan club faces Copa del Rey winners Athletic Bilbao in the first semifinal on Wednesday, while reigning champions Real Madrid, spearheaded by in-form stars Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior, clash with Real Mallorca on Thursday.
Barcelona’s efforts to register marquee signing Dani Olmo and young forward Pau Victor have been stymied by LaLiga, the Spanish football federation, and two court rulings, leaving the players sidelined indefinitely. The club has taken its case to Spain’s top sports court (CSD) but awaits a decision.
Dani Olmo, signed under a loophole during a previous injury crisis, and Victor missed Barcelona’s recent 4-0 Copa del Rey win over Barbastro, much to the frustration of teammates like Ronald Araújo. “It’s left a bad taste because they are our teammates… we hope the club can resolve the issue,” Araújo said.
Despite their off-field troubles, Barcelona will be boosted by the return of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has recovered from an ankle injury.
Flick believes securing even a minor trophy would provide a morale boost for his squad, which slipped to third in LaLiga after a dismal November and December.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid enters the tournament as favorites, with coach Carlo Ancelotti declaring Vinícius Júnior the “best player in the world” following the Brazilian winger’s pivotal performances this season.
Madrid, chasing their third Super Cup title in Saudi Arabia, will hope to capitalize on their attacking trio’s dominance.
The Spanish Super Cup final is set for Sunday at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah.