Bayern Munich's Kompany Praises Olise as Transfer Rumours Swirl
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has delivered a glowing assessment of Michael Olise's form, describing the winger's performances as being at an "incredibly high level." The comments, made ahead of Bayern's Champions League second leg against Real Madrid, come amid widespread reports that the Bundesliga giants are targeting the Crystal Palace and France U21 international as a key summer transfer target.
Kompany was speaking at a pre-match press conference when he was asked about the 22-year-old's development. The manager was effusive in his praise, stating that Olise is "on the right path" and that he is performing at a level that suggests a very bright future. While Kompany did not comment on any transfer, his public praise of a player from another club is a significant and unusual public endorsement.
Michael Olise, who joined Crystal Palace from Reading in 2021, has been a standout performer in the Premier League when fit, contributing crucial goals and assists. His current contract with Palace is reported to contain a release clause, with figures around £60 million being widely reported in British media as the amount required to trigger a move. Bayern Munich, under new sporting director Max Eberl, are known to be in the market for a dynamic, creative winger and have identified Olise as a primary target.
The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move to a Champions League club, and Bayern's interest appears concrete. The Bavarian club is undergoing a significant rebuild this summer and sees Olise as a marquee addition to their attack. His ability to play across the front line and his creativity in the final third are seen as key attributes that would add a new dimension to Kompany's squad.
For Crystal Palace, losing Olise would be a significant blow, but the potential fee, likely in excess of £50 million, would provide substantial funds for the club to reinvest. For Bayern, securing a player of Olise's calibre would represent a major statement of intent as they look to reclaim the Bundesliga title and make a deeper impact in the UEFA Champions League. Kompany's public praise is unlikely to be a coincidence, as the former Manchester City captain looks to shape his squad for the long term, with Olise seemingly a central part of his vision for the club's future.
