Bayern Munich have reiterated that Michael Olise will not be leaving the club this summer, dealing a significant setback to Real Madrid’s hopes of signing the France international.
The Bundesliga side’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, moved to shut down mounting speculation over the winger’s future following Bayern’s 2-1 pre-season defeat in a friendly against Wehen Wiesbaden.
Speaking in the mixed zone after the match against the third-tier German side, Freund underlined Bayern’s position and stressed that Olise remains central to their plans for the new campaign.
“This is not a problem for us at all,” Freund said when asked about the prospect of Olise departing in the current transfer window. “We are happy that Michael will be back after his holiday. He will play an important role for us this season, just as he did last season.”
His comments come amid growing reports of mutual interest between Olise and Real Madrid, who have been exploring the possibility of bringing the forward to the Santiago Bernabeu during the current transfer window.
Real Madrid forced to rethink plans
Bayern’s firm stance has caused unease in Madrid, where senior figures had hoped to persuade the German champions to part with the player before the close of the summer market.
Real Madrid had been viewing Olise as a key target as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, but Bayern’s refusal to entertain a sale has complicated those plans.
With the door to a deal for Olise effectively closed for now, reports in Spain indicate that Real Madrid have begun to shift their focus towards other attacking options.
Attention turns to Yansane Diomande
According to those reports, Real Madrid are now concentrating on a move for Yansane Diomande of RB Leipzig as a possible alternative solution.
The Ivory Coast international has emerged as a leading candidate as the Spanish club seek to reinforce their options before the start of the campaign.
Real Madrid are understood to be assessing Diomande as part of a wider strategy to bolster their squad after being rebuffed in their pursuit of Olise, with the aim of completing key business before the new season gets under way.
Bayern, meanwhile, appear determined to build around Olise once he returns from his break, with Freund’s public backing intended to end uncertainty around the player and to signal that the German club have no intention of weakening their squad by sanctioning his departure.
