Liverpool have long eyed Michael Olise as the long-term replacement for Mo Salah, but the player’s reported preference for another destination is a blow to their chances.
Olise has a strong argument for best winger in Europe this season.
He already has 13 goals and 20 assists for Bayern Munich this season, and has continued on the upward trajectory that started with his emergence at Crystal Palace.
Liverpool want to sign Olise, but a new report from TEAMtalk claims the player has his sights set on La Liga, rather than a Premier League return.
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FA Cup trophy is pictured on display ahead of the fourth round clash between Macclesfield Town and Brentford (Credit: Getty Images/James Gill - Danehouse). The Premier League trophy pictured at Anfield before Liverpool's final match of the season against Crystal Palace at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Julian Finney).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/James Gill/Danehouse/Julian Finney
Michael Olise to Liverpool looks dead in the water
Even before learning of the Frenchman’s desire to play in Spain, the chances of luring him away from Bayern were slim.
He’s in contract there until 2029, and any deal would have to be be well in excess of £100 million. The German champions have ‘zero interest’ in selling, and Olise ‘is not agitating for a move’.
Bayern signed Olise from Palace for £51 million in 2024, but his value has likely doubled — maybe more than doubled.
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If he was to head for the exit door, sources close to the player name Real Madrid and Barcelona as subjects of his ‘long-term’ ambition.
Bayern Munich's Michael Olise appeals during the DFB Pokal match against SV Wehen Wiesbaden
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Olise would be the perfect Salah replacement, offering a similar level of production but moreso as a playmaker. That’s not an issue for Liverpool, who have signed two potentially world-class number nines to fill the goalscoring void the Egyptian will eventually leave.
It might be time for the Reds to look at other options. Yan Diomande, for example.
Michael Olise vs Yan Diomande by the numbers
Diomande is another Liverpool target who is highly regarded around Europe.
At 19, he is a much rawer prospect but is being mooted to earn RB Leipzig their largest ever transfer fee.
But just how far apart are the two Bundesliga stars?
Olise Bundesliga stats Diomande
23 Games 23
10 Goals 9
16 Assists 5
49 Successful dribbles 81
62 Chances created 38
Olise has entered the world-class conversation with his performances this season, but Diomande isn’t miles off his production.
Playing in a much weaker Leipzig side, the Ivorian has established himself as one of the best dribblers in Europe and he already has an eye for goal. He wouldn’t be the worst consolation prize for Liverpool.
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