France international Michael Akpovie Olise is reportedly seeking a transfer away from Bayern Munich, with Real Madrid emerging as the frontrunner for his signature. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder joined Bayern in July 2024 for a fee of €50 million, but appears unsettled and eager to leave Germany despite his impressive form.
Olise’s journey to this point has been marked by international indecision and rapid ascent. Born in Hammersmith, London, to an Anglo-Nigerian father and a Franco-Algerian mother, he was eligible to represent five different national teams. After representing England at various youth levels, including the Under-21 and Under-23 sides, he ultimately chose to commit to France, earning his first senior cap following a successful spell with Bayern and a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics where he was the tournament’s leading assist provider with five.
During the recent World Cup, Olise broke a 56-year record previously held by Pelé, registering seven assists – one more than the Brazilian legend’s tally at the 1970 tournament. Despite his creative brilliance, he struggled to find the back of the net, failing to score in eight matches despite 20 attempts on goal. This led to visible distress after France’s third-place play-off defeat to England, with reports detailing Olise being visibly upset in the dressing room after missing key chances.
According to reports, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is prepared to offer over €200 million for Olise, along with an annual salary of €20 million. Liverpool are also said to be interested, potentially initiating a bidding war. Bayern officials are reportedly stunned by Olise’s desire to leave so soon after his arrival, having witnessed his exceptional contributions – 30 assists and 22 goals in 52 appearances last season. The situation could lead to a significant transfer battle this summer, with Olise seemingly determined to secure a move to the Spanish capital.
