As the French national team prepares to jet off to Boston for their pre-2026 FIFA World Cup camp, whispers of a potential Real Madrid transfer pursuit are gathering momentum. Behind the scenes, Real president Florentino Pérez is reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, despite Bayern Munich publicly declaring they are not interested in selling the player.
The Spanish giants are rumored to be eyeing a €150 million bid for Olise this summer, a move that could reshape the club’s attacking options. However, Bayern Munich CEO Herbert Hainer swiftly dismissed the notion, emphasizing that Olise remains a Bayern player under long-term contract. «Michael Olise is a Bayern Munich player and will remain so. We are not a club that sells players on a whim. If Florentino Pérez wishes to make an offer—which he has not yet done—he can save himself the trouble.»
Could the World Cup sway Olise’s decision?
With Kylian Mbappé and other French stars like Aurélien Tchouaméni donning the Real Madrid jersey post-tournament, the allure of joining them in Madrid could prove irresistible. Football journalist Hugo Guillemet suggests that the timing of a World Cup campaign might just sway Olise’s perspective. «While Florentino Pérez’s approach may seem politically motivated, the sheer prestige of Real Madrid cannot be ignored. With two underwhelming seasons behind them, the club’s leadership is desperate for a statement signing. A €150 million bid for Olise may not rattle Bayern, but it could certainly catch Olise’s attention—especially if he ends up sharing the pitch with Mbappé and others during the tournament.»
Locker room influence: the Mbappé factor
The prospect of competing alongside Mbappé and fellow Real Madrid teammates in a high-stakes international tournament could plant a seed in Olise’s mind. «Players talk, and the World Cup is a pressure cooker of emotions and ambitions. If Olise sees Mbappé thriving in Madrid, it might just be the nudge he needs to consider a move.»