As France’s national football team prepares to jet off to Boston for the 2026 World Cup (June 11 to July 19), whispers in European football suggest the Real Madrid hierarchy may be maneuvering behind the scenes to secure a deal for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. Despite Bayern Munich’s public stance that they have no intention of selling, President Florentino Pérez’s renewed ambitions could shift the dynamics of the transfer saga.
The Spanish giants are reportedly weighing a €150 million offer for Olise this summer, a bold move following two underwhelming seasons that have left Real Madrid’s ambitions unmet. Bayern Munich CEO Herbert Hainer fired back over the weekend, stating unequivocally that Olise remains a Bayern player under long-term contract and rejecting any notion of a sale. “Michael Olise is a Bayern Munich player, and we are not a selling club. If Florentino Pérez wants to make an offer—which he hasn’t yet—he can save himself the trouble.”
Could Madrid’s interest unsettle Olise?
Analysts suggest that even Bayern’s stern refusal may not deter Real Madrid’s pursuit. Hugo Guillemet, a football journalist, argues that Pérez’s overture, while politically calculated, carries weight. “It’s a calculated move by Florentino Pérez, but it’s far from trivial when a club like Real Madrid sets its sights on a player—even in their current state. With Pérez’s grand ambitions and the club’s recent struggles, splashing €150 million on Olise might not rattle Bayern, but it could certainly make Olise pause. After all, this is still Real Madrid.”
World Cup dynamics: a psychological play?
Olise’s potential participation in next year’s World Cup adds another layer to the equation. As France’s squad convenes in Boston, the presence of Real Madrid teammates Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni could subtly influence Olise’s decision-making process. “It’s a topic that will come up,” Guillemet noted on a sports talk show. “The World Cup is a long time away, and anything can happen. Players talk, and a seed could be planted that turns this into a full-blown transfer saga.”
