Michael Olise of Crystal Palace was one player Manchester United had been linked to as they aimed to start their summer transfer window with a significant signing. However, all indications now point to the talented winger joining Bayern Munich in a £50 million move.
Although this decision has not been finalized, rumors continue to swirl that Manchester United and other rivals are making last-ditch efforts to hijack the transfer and snatch the Frenchman away from Bayern and their manager, Vincent Kompany.
Despite these efforts, reports suggest that Olise prefers the move to Bayern Munich over other options. He is reportedly set to sign a five-year contract with the Bundesliga giants, and both clubs are committed to finalizing the details. As things stand, the transfer is not in jeopardy.
Time is running out for Manchester United and any other interested parties, as the 22-year-old is expected to be in Germany in the coming week to undergo a medical ahead of his switch to Bayern Munich.
When the rumors first began, other English rivals like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City were also said to hold an interest in Olise. Chelsea reportedly offered a financially competitive deal to Bayern’s, but Olise rejected the Blues in favor of a move to the Bundesliga.
Meanwhile, Manchester United still faces questions regarding the right flank of Erik ten Hag’s attack. Currently, Alejandro Garnacho occupies that area, though he prefers the left wing spot. Antony serves as his backup, but with only 16 goal contributions over two seasons, the Brazilian still has his doubters.
Additionally, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood remain linked to potential exits, which could necessitate reinforcements in the attacking department. Sancho has struggled to consistently perform at the level expected since his high-profile transfer from Borussia Dortmund, and Greenwood’s future at the club is uncertain due to off-field issues.
For Manchester United, securing a player of Olise’s caliber would have provided a significant boost to their squad depth and quality. The French winger has shown immense potential and versatility, traits highly valued in modern football. His ability to play on either flank and contribute both goals and assists makes him an attractive prospect for any top club.
However, with Olise seemingly set on joining Bayern Munich, Manchester United must now look elsewhere to strengthen their squad.
The Red Devils have been linked with several other targets as they seek to bolster their attacking options. The club’s transfer strategy will need to adapt quickly, as the summer window progresses and competition for top talent intensifies.