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Michael Olise was the star of the show as Bayern Munich claimed a 2–1 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday.
The French international of English origin wreaked havoc on Álvaro Carreras down Bayern's right flank, setting up Harry Kane's goal with a decisive assist.
While supporters of Bundesliga and Premier League clubs have long been aware of Olise's abilities, his performance at the Bernabéu on Tuesday put the winger firmly on the radar of a wider global audience.
In the Spanish press, AS praised the "Galáctico at a bargain price," alluding to the relatively modest fee of approximately $70 million that Bayern paid Crystal Palace for him in 2024. MARCA, meanwhile, dubbed him Real Madrid's "executioner," with both publications hinting at Los Blancos' desire to sign the player.
Madrid Consider Big Offer
Transfer journalist and Bayern insider Christian Falk has reported that Madrid are "thinking of" submitting a bid in the region of $193.3 million (€165 million) for Olise. However, he emphasized that Bayern are not obligated to sell, as the player has no release clause in his current deal.
Furthermore, Olise—who has contributed 11 goals and 18 assists in the Bundesliga this season—remains contracted at the club until 2029.
A bid of the magnitude Falk describes would shatter Real Madrid's own transfer record by a considerable margin, with their current highest fee being the $148 million spent on Jude Bellingham.
Bayern Have No Interest in Record Fee
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Bayern would not entertain any approach for their prized winger, irrespective of Madrid's reported interest.
"Bayern have no intention to negotiate," Romano stated on his YouTube channel in response to the growing speculation. "No interest in a record fee. Bayern are very calm regarding the Michael Olise situation."
He continued: "What's going to happen in the next two, three, four, five years, we can't predict today, but what we can say today is that Bayern are not in the position to imagine an exit of Michael Olise this summer.
"Also Uli Hoeness, the honorary president at Bayern, made clear that they were not even going to consider €127 million. So that says it all."
Containing Olise in Munich
While Olise may be a target for Madrid's transfer planners, the more immediate challenge is neutralizing the winger when the two sides face off at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg.
Carreras had a torrid time at left back against the French international, with numerous pundits questioning the decision to start him.
There have been calls for Álvaro Arbeloa to bring back Fran García, who put in a strong showing in the round of 16 against Manchester City, while reports suggest that the injury-plagued Ferland Mendy could potentially be fit to face his compatriot in Munich.
Speaking in the aftermath of Tuesday's defeat, Arbeloa stood by Carreras despite his difficult evening.
"Álvaro Carreras is a fantastic player, one of the best fullbacks in the world," he said. "I fully trust him, and he'll learn from this. It's not easy to face a talented, fast player like Olise."