Image Credits: Imago Images
With Mohamed Salah set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, the Reds have been linked with several potential replacements, including Bayern Munich star Michael Olise.
Alongside RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Touré, and Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh, Olise is on Liverpool’s shortlist to fill Salah’s shoes.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a stellar season for Bayern, scoring 16 goals and providing 29 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.
He has formed a potent attacking partnership with Harry Kane and former Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, playing a key role in Bayern’s push for dominance.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has also urged the club to sign Olise as Salah’s replacement. “When full-backs face wingers, they usually have a weaker foot, and we direct them to one side or the other,” Gerrard said. “The problem is that Olise can go to both sides – his right foot is as strong as his left. We see some of the assists he makes. If we leave him in one-on-one situations, we’re in trouble.”
“Would I take him to Liverpool? Without a doubt,” Gerrard added. “But the problem is: why would he leave Bayern? “A great club, fighting for big trophies, probably the strongest Bayern team we’ve seen in a while.
“He’s about to dominate the World Cup. He seems like a really happy kid – balanced, in my opinion – and I don’t think he’s going anywhere.”
According to Christian Falk of cfbayerninside, Real Madrid may intensify their pursuit of Olise in the summer transfer window, although Bayern appear unlikely to let him go.
The France international impressed during Bayern’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is eager to secure Olise, with the club considering a €160–165m (£137.9–142.2m) offer.
However, Bayern have no obligation to sell, as Olise has no release clause, and the Bavarian club have stated they would reject even offers around €200m for their prized asset.
Falk said last month: “In Germany, we’ve also heard about the rumours of Liverpool coming to the table with a €200m [£172.9m] bid for Michael Olise.
“I can tell you that I’ve talked with the bosses of Bayern Munich, I talked with Max Eberl, the head of sport, and he said: No chance! Michael Olise is not for sale. He’s the future of Bayern Munich.
“Even if there is an offer of €100m-200m [£86.4m-172.9m] on the table, Bayern won’t even discuss it. They want to give him a new contract. Eberl also reiterated that Olise doesn’t have a release clause. So, Bayern are in the driver’s seat.”
