Real Madrid’s pursuit of Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has moved beyond transfer-market rumour – but a private non-aggression pact between the two European giants is threatening to derail any move.
Reports in Spain and Germany say Olise, 24, has set his sights on joining Real Madrid after the 2026 World Cup, a desire strengthened during the tournament by his close relationship with France team-mate Kylian Mbappe.
German outlet Bild reported that Mbappe has not only spoken glowingly about Real Madrid to Olise, but has also personally informed Real president Florentino Perez that the Bayern winger wants to wear the famous white shirt, stressing that the former Crystal Palace forward would be a major asset to the club’s sporting project.
However, French website Foot Mercato says the operation is currently blocked by an informal agreement between Perez and Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer, under which neither club will open talks with a player from the other side without first formally notifying their counterpart.
Unwritten pact slows Real Madrid move
According to Foot Mercato, it is this gentleman’s agreement that explains why Real Madrid have so far made no official contact with either Bayern Munich or with Olise and his entourage, despite the player’s apparent interest.
It reported: “لهذا السبب، لم يتواصل ريال مدريد حتى الان، بشكل رسمي، مع بايرن ميونخ او مع اوليسي وممثليه، وما زالت المفاوضات بعيدة عن مرحلة العروض الرسمية”.
In practical terms, that means the negotiations remain at a very early, informal stage. Any formal bid from Real Madrid is understood to be contingent on two conditions: an official approach to Bayern in line with the pact, and a clear, public request from Olise to leave the German champions.
Sources cited by Foot Mercato add that Perez views a formal transfer request from the player as a prerequisite before committing a large financial offer – a stance he is said to have underlined during his most recent presidential election campaign, when he pledged to respect rival clubs while still pursuing elite signings.
Bayern step up efforts to keep Olise
While Real Madrid proceed cautiously, Bayern Munich are actively working to secure Olise’s long-term future in Bavaria.
The France international, who joined Bayern from Crystal Palace, is already under contract until the summer of 2029. Even so, Bayern are reportedly preparing to offer him a substantial pay rise to fend off Madrid’s interest.
The German champions are said to be ready to increase his annual salary from around €14m to close to €25m, while also seeking to reassure him about the club’s sporting ambitions over the coming seasons.
Foot Mercato reports that Bayern plan a face-to-face meeting with Olise following his return from the World Cup, during which senior figures at the club will present their long-term project and his central role within it.
Player decision seen as decisive
Those talks are expected to be pivotal in determining the next phase of what could become one of the biggest transfer sagas in Europe.
The outcome will help decide whether Olise chooses to push for an exit this summer by formally asking to leave – a move that would effectively invite Real Madrid to act – or whether he commits to Bayern’s project and accepts an upgraded contract.
For now, Real Madrid’s interest is real but restrained, Bayern’s stance is firm but not immovable, and the player’s own decision looms as the decisive factor.
With Mbappe already established at the Bernabeu and openly supportive of his France colleague, the prospect of a future attacking line featuring both forwards is tantalising for Madrid supporters – but the pathway from Munich to Madrid remains strewn with political, financial and contractual obstacles.
