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Two senior figures within Bayern Munich's leadership have categorically dismissed the notion of Michael Olise departing to replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool this summer, issuing pointed remarks on the matter.
The news of Salah's exit has inevitably sparked debate over who could fill the legendary forward's shoes. As a left-footed right winger capable of producing an extraordinary number of direct goal contributions, it comes as little shock that Olise has become a name on many people's lips.
However, Bayern Munich have absolutely no desire to part ways with the Ballon d'Or contender.
"We're not even entertaining that thought," Bayern's sporting board member Max Eberl told SPORT BILD bluntly when the subject of Olise leaving was raised this week. "He's an FC Bayern player and has every opportunity here that any elite player could ask for."
"Michael is contracted with us until 2029, with no release clause—we're not worried," Eberl continued.
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen was equally dismissive. "Regardless of which club tries to tempt him away: Anyone who plays for FC Bayern knows exactly what they have at FC Bayern," he stated firmly.
With no release clause in place, Bayern face zero obligation to entertain any offer for Olise, who is considered the most prized asset in their squad, with his estimated value hovering around $164.1 million (£122.5 million, €141.5 million).
Salah Replacement Gives Liverpool's Recruitment Team Second Audition
Jürgen Klopp has openly acknowledged that Salah was not his primary target in the summer of 2017. Julian Brandt, who was at Bayer Leverkusen at the time, topped his personal wishlist. As the German manager recalled: "When we scouted him, we watched a lot of footage of Mo, and we thought he wasn't the finishing machine we see today."
Nevertheless, Liverpool's highly regarded recruitment team successfully persuaded Klopp into making what would become the most consequential decision in the club's recent history. "Michael Edwards, Dave Fellows and Barry [Hunter]," the former manager revealed, "they were constantly in my ear and pushing hard: 'Come on, come on, Mo Salah, he's the answer.'"
The inner circle Klopp referenced was gradually broken up as the charismatic coach's sway grew stronger toward the end of his time at Merseyside. Edwards returned in a new capacity as Liverpool's CEO of football following the confirmation of Klopp's exit, primarily tasked with assisting the club's owners, Fenway Sports Group, in identifying suitable acquisitions within a multi-club ownership model.
With news that FSG have put their expansion ambitions on hold, Edwards is now free to redirect his attention toward signing players rather than purchasing clubs. That focus may well prove necessary.
Edwards brought in his former Portsmouth associate Richard Hughes as Liverpool's sporting director to collaborate with head coach Arne Slot in 2024. Federico Chiesa was the sole headline signing that summer, but the club more than compensated the following year, spending more than any other team in a single transfer window in history. The returns on that investment are still to materialise.
Record signing Alexander Isak has recorded more tackles (five) than shots on target (four), let alone goals (two) since his arrival at the Premier League champions from Newcastle United. Florian Wirtz has shown encouraging flashes of quality, yet uncertainty continues to surround every player brought in last summer.
Should Hughes and Edwards turn down the financial temptation of the Saudi Pro League and stay at Liverpool this summer, identifying a new Salah will sit at the very top of their agenda. It is an intimidating challenge, but equally a golden chance to erase the disappointment of a forgettable 2025.