Manchester, England – Manchester United have suffered a significant blow in the transfer market as Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise has officially completed a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. Despite strong and long-standing interest from Old Trafford, the 23-year-old French international opted for a new challenge in Germany, explaining the lure of Champions League football and Bayern’s dominance in their domestic league as key factors in his decision.
The news, confirmed by Bayern Munich on Sunday, brings an end to months of speculation linking Olise with a move away from Selhurst Park. Manchester United were understood to be keen on bolstering their attacking options this summer, and Olise, with his impressive tally of 10 goals and six assists in just 19 Premier League appearances last season, was identified as a priority target. Reports indicated that new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was particularly eager to bring the talented winger to Old Trafford as part of a summer overhaul.
However, United’s inability to offer Champions League football proved to be a major stumbling block. Bayern Munich, consistently competing at the highest level of European club football, were able to provide Olise with the platform he desired. Speaking to Bayern’s official website, Olise stated, “The talks with FC Bayern were very positive, and I’m very happy to now be playing for such a big club. It’s a great challenge, and that’s exactly what I was looking for. I want to prove myself at this level and play my part in ensuring that we win as many titles as possible with our team in the coming years.”
The transfer fee for Olise is reported to be around €60 million (£50.7 million), including add-ons, making him one of Bayern Munich’s most expensive signings in history. This significant outlay underscores the Bavarian club’s determination to secure the services of a player who is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in European football.
Manchester United’s failure to land Olise will undoubtedly force them to reassess their transfer targets as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. The need for a right-sided attacker remains a priority, particularly given the inconsistent form of existing options. While the club were reportedly prepared to battle Chelsea for Olise’s signature, the player’s preference for Bayern Munich ultimately proved decisive.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed his pride in Olise’s development at the club but acknowledged his desire to test himself at the highest level. “We are hugely proud of what Michael has achieved at Crystal Palace, a club where he has developed greatly as a player,” Parish said. “We respect his desire to further test himself at the highest level of world football, and I would like to personally wish him the very best for his next adventure with Bayern Munich in Germany which I’m sure we will all follow closely.”
Olise’s move to Bayern Munich marks the latest chapter in his burgeoning career. Having joined Crystal Palace from Reading in 2021, he quickly established himself as a key player, earning rave reviews for his technical ability, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess. His performances attracted attention from several top clubs, but it is Bayern who have ultimately won the race for his signature.
For Manchester United, missing out on a player of Olise’s caliber is a setback. However, with the transfer window still open, they will need to act swiftly to identify and secure alternative targets who can add the much-needed quality and dynamism to their attacking line. The focus will now shift to other potential signings as Erik ten Hag, or whoever is in charge at Old Trafford next season, looks to rebuild the squad and close the gap on their rivals. The pursuit of other players linked with the club, such as Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
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