Bayern Munich Signs Premier League Star Wanted by Half of Europe
French-British midfielder Michael Olise is the latest addition to Bayern Munich, who officially announced the signing of the player who has spent the last three seasons at Crystal Palace.
Olise, 22, has signed a five-year deal with Bayern. The German club paid around $64 million to the London-based team to secure the midfielder.
He's Bayern’s second new signing after Japanese center-back Hiroki Ito, and he joined Crystal Palace from Reading in the 2021-22 season.
"Talks with Bayern were really positive, and I’m super happy to now be playing for such a big club. It’s a huge challenge and exactly what I was looking for. I want to prove myself at this level and help our team win as many titles as possible in the coming years," said Olise, who will join the French Olympic team for the 2024 Paris Games.
"Michael Olise is a standout player who has garnered massive interest due to his playing style. We want a new drive in our team, fresh energy, fresh ideas, and that’s what players like Michael Olise bring. In our talks with him, he quickly expressed his desire to join FC Bayern. We are very excited about him; he will enrich our game," said Bayern's CEO, Max Erberl.
Born in London, Olise trained in the youth academies of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City before making his professional debut with Reading FC in March 2019. He joined Crystal Palace in the 2021/22 season, scoring 16 goals and providing 25 assists in 90 official matches.
Due to his mother's origins, he holds French nationality and chose to play for France's youth teams. He participated in the Under-21 European Championship last summer and is set to compete in the Olympics.