“Keep an eye”… Fabrizio Romano sends Crystal Palace transfer warning over Michael Olise
Crystal Palace have been warned over future movements for Michael Olise, with renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano providing a transfer update following the January transfer window.
It was only in August 2023 that Crystal Palace anticipated a farewell with Michael Olise, who was the subject of a potential transfer to Chelsea, after the Blues activated the £35m release clause in his contract.
Hindsight proved to be a stress-relieving matter in the summer saga, as the Frenchman opted to decline those in west London to extend his stay at Selhurst Park to the delight of those across the capital.
The narrative of the 22-year-old’s future has since resurfaced, with Fabrizio Romano sharing an update.
“Keep an eye as well on Crystal Palace as I think it’s going to be interesting in the summer, especially for Michael Olise, who is on the list of many top clubs in England,” he said.
“I think he’s going to be one of the big names of the window, but where is he going, it’s still too early to say.”
Once dubbed a “superstar” by pundit Micah Richards, it’s not rocket science to understand why Palace will be reluctant to see Olise depart, nor to understand why interest in the Frenchman is said to be high.
While Romano’s report could be deemed as somewhat unsurprising to some, a separate claim from The Sun names both Manchester United and Manchester City as two of the clubs that could battle for the winger.
One national newspaper suspects that the former Reading whiz is wanted by Erik ten Hag to commence the start of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era, with Pep Guardiola’s side mentioned as another interested party.
Having contributed to two goals and 11 assists in the Premier League last term, Palace have their hands on one of the most exciting talents in the league through Olise.
Between fighting injury, the France U21 international is the Eagles’ joint-top scorer in all competitions this term, netting six in only 11 appearances in all competitions.
While it could prove to be an impossible challenge to maintain the services of the London-born star in the summer, it’s imperative that the south Londoners utilise his talents efficiently for the remainder of the season as his duel with injury continues.
During the disheartening 4-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, the Frenchman was risked at half-time despite not being suitable to start the fixture, with his day cut to just 11 minutes of action as he hobbled off prematurely.
If Olise can return with the ruthless streak he has portrayed previously this term, the 22-year-old could not only bolster Palace’s season, but raise his price tag in preparation for the summer transfer window.
