Liverpool Eyes Blockbuster Swoop for Crystal Palace Star Michael Olise
Even after investing £450 million ($605 million) in new signings last summer, Liverpool continue to face significant squad deficiencies.
Their defensive core lacks sufficient depth for multi-competition campaigns—with Marc Guéhi disappointingly heading to Manchester City to compound their frustrations—while another defensive midfielder remains urgently needed and Mohamed Salah's concerning form decline has exposed Arne Slot's limited attacking width options.
Defensive reinforcements should be the immediate focus following Liverpool's poor defensive displays this season, though acquiring at least one attacking wide player in upcoming transfer windows is crucial for the Reds to regain their spark.
This is where Michael Olise enters the picture. The 24-year-old is currently illuminating the Bundesliga alongside Harry Kane and former Liverpool winger Luis Díaz at Bayern Munich, and despite the complexities of such a deal, the six-time European champions would be foolish to overlook the French international in their reinforcement hunt.
An Astonishing Talent
An Astonishing Talent
Investing £50 million ($64.1 million) in Olise has emerged as one of recent transfer market steals. Bayern's substantial investment has been validated through the consistently outstanding displays and statistics delivered by the right-sided attacker, who dominated German football in his inaugural campaign and is surpassing last season's numbers this term.
27 goal involvements across 34 Bundesliga appearances secured him the league's Newcomer of the Year honor during their title-winning season, complemented by seven additional goals and assists in Champions League action. An impressive Club World Cup showing has carried into this campaign, with Olise recording a remarkable 26 goal contributions before the 2025–26 winter interval.
Celebrated for his exceptional technical ability, smooth dribbling and precise passing, Olise represents the total package. He features in the 99th percentile for key passes, progressive carries and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in this season's Bundesliga, according to FBref, emphasizing his tremendous creative capabilities—exactly what Liverpool desperately require currently.
His gifted left foot excels equally at crafting opportunities for teammates through defense-splitting deliveries or dangerous crosses as it does at curling shots into the net's corners, with few players possessing such a combination of productivity and artistry. Olise stands among the most entertaining wide players to observe when performing at peak level.
Proven Premier League Experience
Proven Premier League Experience
The adaptation challenges faced by Florian Wirtz this season, who is now finding form after months of inconsistency, demonstrate how challenging transitioning from German football to the Premier League can be. This wouldn't concern Liverpool in any Olise pursuit.
Olise was born and developed in England, initially making his senior breakthrough after progressing through Reading's youth system into their first team. A transfer to Crystal Palace followed, where Selhurst Park became the stage for the winger's rise to prominence. He achieved double-figure goal contribution seasons during his three Premier League campaigns and gained recognition for his skills, flair and spectacular goals.
No communication barriers, no cultural adaptation required. Olise could effortlessly integrate into his environment upon arriving at Merseyside, which would be essential given the substantial fee needed to extract him from Bayern's control. Any transfer would comfortably exceed £80 million ($107.5 million) and demand Liverpool write another significant check.
Mohamed Salah's Heir
Mohamed Salah's Heir
Liverpool's choice not to recruit a direct Díaz replacement during the summer has backfired. Allegedly intended to preserve opportunities for Rio Ngumoha, it's left the Reds lacking quality and reliable alternatives when injuries and unavailability strike. They cannot repeat this error with Salah.
The Egyptian has achieved legendary status at Liverpool, but his recent conflicts with the club combined with his diminishing impact underscore the necessity for the Reds to identify an alternative soon. A transition strategy must be established to prevent Liverpool from desperately seeking suitable options when Salah exits, whether this summer or next season.
Right-wing prospects with the caliber to replace Salah are extremely scarce. Olise undoubtedly ranks among the elite players in his position and won't reach 25 until December despite already displaying the skills of someone at their peak. He operates differently than the 33-year-old, yet proves equally lethal in attacking areas.
Securing Olise will present an enormous challenge—potentially even impossible—but Liverpool must attempt it nonetheless.