One of Newcastle United’s former transfer targets put on a superstar display while on international duty.
There are currently 14 Newcastle United players on international duty this month and they have had mixed results.
Sandro Tonali was hailed by Italian media for his display against Germany in the Nations League, while Alexander Isak was slammed as Sweden suffered a shock defeat to Luxembourg.
Once players are finished on international duty, they can return for Newcastle’s Carabao Cup celebrations on March 29th.
While there have been mixed results for Newcastle’s internationals, one of the club’s former targets put on a wonderful display on Sunday evening.
Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
Former Newcastle United target Michael Olise stars for France
Newcastle saw Michael Olise as an ideal signing last summer, but the former Crystal Palace star instead made a move to Bayern Munich for £50m.
Since moving to Germany, Michael Olise has impressed at Bayern in both their Bundesliga and Champions League campaigns.
On Sunday, Olise started for France against Croatia and he completely ran the show as France won 2-0 before winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals.
Minutes played 105
Goals 1
Assists 1
Touches 102
Passes completed 84% (57/68)
Key passes 5
Dribbles completed 50% (3/6)
Duels won 58% (7/12)
Michael Olise match stats for France 2-0 Croatia.
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Olise scored the opener for France in the second half before setting up Ousmane Dembele to double the lead.
He played into extra time and was a creative outlet for his side, completing five key passes and creating one big chance.
He was given a 9.4 rating via SofaScore – the highest of any player on the pitch.
PIF will regret missing out on Michael Olise
Eddie Howe wanted a new right winger to arrive at St James’ Park and Newcastle really wanted to sign Olise in the summer.
However, it was always going to be an incredibly tough deal given that Olise was attracting interest from European giants.
Ultimately, Olise wanted Champions League football and Bayern also gave him guarantees that he could play in the Olympics.
Additionally, Olise is earning £220,000 per week at Bayern which would have shattered Newcastle’s wage structure if they matched that offer.
READ MORE: Simon Jordan now suggests why Newcastle United did not sign Michael Olise
Newcastle and PIF ended up missing out, and they may regret not pushing harder for Olise after watching his superstar performance for France.
But sporting director Paul Mitchell will have money to spend this summer, and Newcastle will be in the market for other star wingers.