Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise is on the cusp of a major move to Bayern Munich after the Bundesliga giants emerged victorious in a transfer tug-of-war with several Premier League clubs. The 22-year-old Frenchman, who has impressed with his dazzling displays on the wing, is set to become the latest addition to Bayern’s ambitious squad overhaul under new manager Vincent Kompany.
Earlier in June, a bidding war seemed imminent as Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Newcastle United all registered their interest in Olise with Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old’s talent had attracted significant attention, with his performances for Palace and the French Under-21 national team sparking a scramble among these European giants.
Negotiations were expected to be intricate due to the complexities surrounding Olise’s release clause. Estimates suggest the figure could be in the region of £60 million, with further considerations including percentages of the transfer fee allocated to Crystal Palace, Olise himself, and his former club, Reading.
Chelsea, one of the initial contenders, reportedly harboured concerns about the overall financial implications of the deal. This echoes their previous unsuccessful attempt to sign Olise last summer. Back then, they believed they had activated his release clause with a bid of around £35 million, but the move fell through. In response, Olise committed his long-term future to Palace by signing a new four-year contract lasting until 2027.
Olise’s talent and potential haven’t gone unnoticed by the French national team either. He has been included in their squad for the upcoming Paris Olympics, scheduled to begin in July. This international recognition further underscores his burgeoning reputation as a rising star in European football.
Despite missing a significant portion of the 2023/24 season due to a hamstring injury, Olise still managed to showcase his attacking prowess, contributing 10 goals in just 19 appearances for Crystal Palace. These statistics solidify his reputation as a dangerous attacker with the potential to thrive at the highest level.
While Manchester United were also previously interested in Olise, they have reportedly chosen to prioritize strengthening other positions within their squad at this time. This decision leaves Bayern Munich in a clear position to secure the talented winger’s signature.
With the transfer nearing completion, Olise is set to embark on a new chapter in his career at Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga giants are clearly impressed with his skillset and believe he can significantly contribute to their team under Kompany’s leadership. The upcoming season promises to be a defining one for Olise, who will have the opportunity to showcase his talents on one of the biggest stages in world football.
