A journalist has revealed why Dani Olmo chose to join RB Leipzig in January despite a strong offer on the table from AC Milan.
The Rossoneri were heavily linked with a move for the Spain international throughout the January window, with sources in Croatia even claiming that Milan were closing in on agreeing a complete deal with Dinamo Zagreb for the young winger.
However, various sources then reported that the deal was being held up due to the huge commission fee his agent was demanding – somewhere in the region of €7m – and then rumours of interest from Leipzig arrived.
Ultimately they secured the signing of the former Barcelona academy man, who joined on a four-year deal and has one goal and one assist in four competitions for the Bundesliga side so far.
Now, Dinamo Zagreb coach Nenad Bjelica has revealed all to Tuttomercatoweb about the January saga and Olmo’s decision to choose Germany over Italy.
“He was very close to Milan. The offer was better than Leipzig’s, but the move to Germany was his choice,” he said.
“He wanted to play in the Champions League and he chose the project that promotes the growth of young players.
“Milan did not offer bonuses, unlike Leipzig. Dinamo also has 20% of the future sale. With the bonuses the deal can reach €50m. In my opinion, Milan would have been the ideal solution. Because I know what Italian football is like.
“If he had gone to Milan he would have made an excellent choice. But he decided so and we respected him.”
Nenad Bjelica a @TuttoMercatoWeb: "#Olmo è stato molto vicino al #Milan. L’offerta era migliore rispetto a quella del Lipsia, ma il trasferimento in Germania è stata una sua scelta. Voleva giocare la Champions e ha scelto il progetto che favorisce la crescita dei giovani”
— Michele Pavese (@7mp84) March 5, 2020
