Michael Olise. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich last summer was a huge blow for Crystal Palace – though, fortunately, it seems not to have affected them too much.
Despite the departure of the Frenchman – who was the club’s Player of the Season for 2023/24 – the Eagles have recorded their best-ever Premier League points tally and, remarkably, lifted their first major trophy by winning the FA Cup.
In Olise’s absence, Eberechi Eze, summer signing Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and even full-back Daniel Muñoz have stepped up to deliver an attacking threat of devastating effect, propelling the club to unprecedented heights.
Meanwhile, Olise has continued to thrive in Germany.
The 23-year-old has been one of Europe’s standout wingers, scoring 17 goals and providing 21 assists across all competitions for Bayern Munich, helping them clinch the Bundesliga title in dominant fashion.
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany has heaped praise on Olise’s impact, describing him as “cerebral.”
“He’s a thinker,” Kompany said, according to Bavarian Football Works. “He thinks a lot and questions everything. He enjoys football and works hard. The most important thing I see in him is that he’s obsessed with work. We have more players who want to learn more. That gives us energy. He is one of those players who always wants to improve.”
Bayern Now Targeting Eze
So impressive has Olise been, that Bayern – and Kompany – are reportedly looking to repeat the trick by raiding Palace for another star: Eberechi Eze.
According to The Mirror, the German champions are eyeing a potential summer swoop for Eze, who has arguably been the Eagles’ standout performer this season. The England international has registered 14 goals – including the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City – and 11 assists across all competitions, taking the Premier League by storm with his skillful, creative displays under manager Oliver Glasner.
With Bayern’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz reportedly stalling – with Liverpool now considered frontrunners for the German star – Eze has emerged as a top alternative.
The Mirror claims Bayern maintain “good relations” with Palace following the Olise transfer and could be prepared to activate Eze’s £68 million release clause, which becomes active this summer.
Eze’s outstanding performances have earned widespread praise, including from former Palace striker Clinton Morrison.
“He’s been phenomenal,” said Morrison in May. “He’s a joy to watch – someone I would pay money to see. He makes the game look easy, effortless, smooth.”
While Palace have coped admirably without Olise, losing Eze as well could pose a serious challenge for the club going forward.
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