Michael Olise has become one of the most valuable players in the Bundesliga after Bayern Munich acted decisively to sign the France international from Crystal Palace.
The French winger is now valued at €180m by Transfermarkt, making him the most valuable player in Germany’s top flight. His rise has also highlighted the missed opportunity for several leading English clubs that had previously monitored him or had the chance to recruit him.
Olise was born in London and developed within the English football system. He spent time in the academies of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City before establishing himself at Crystal Palace, just a short distance from those clubs.
None of them managed to keep him or bring him back. Chelsea came closest, but missed out on the player twice.
In the summer of 2023, Chelsea activated Olise’s £35m release clause. However, according to football finance expert Duncan Castles, the club failed to complete the move because it did not follow the correct legal procedures. Olise subsequently signed a new contract with Crystal Palace.
Chelsea returned for him the following year, but withdrew after deciding the overall cost was too high. Manchester United’s interest remained across two successive administrations, yet that appreciation never developed into a firm decision to sign him. Newcastle also ended its pursuit because of financial considerations.
Bayern’s decisive move
Bayern Munich were prepared to meet the demands of both Olise and Crystal Palace, agreeing to pay up to €60m for the player. The fee was important, but it was not the only factor in his decision.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Olise chose Bayern because of the opportunity to play in the Champions League. Early discussions with manager Vincent Kompany also persuaded him, with the coach outlining a vision that appealed to the winger.
Bayern’s sporting directors, Max Eberl and Christoph Freund, were central to the deal. The club’s approach was reflected in comments from honorary president Uli Hoeness, who acknowledged that he had not known the French player at all and had placed complete trust in Bayern’s sporting department.
The results have justified that faith. Olise has recorded 111 appearances, 45 goals and 47 assists since joining the Bundesliga’s record champions.
When he moved to Bayern, he had not played for the France senior team and had never appeared in the Champions League. His progress therefore represents more than a fortunate signing. It is the product of a recruitment structure that identified what the player could become and moved before Premier League rivals turned their interest into action.
Bayern Munich’s success with Olise underlines the value of strong scouting and timely decision-making, while the English clubs that knew him best are left to reflect on an opportunity that was once within reach.
