Liverpool Eyes Bayern Star Olise as Salah’s Long-Term Replacement Despite Summer Rejection

LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool FC is continuing to lay the groundwork for its next competitive era, maintaining a strong interest in Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise as the club plans for the eventual succession of talismanic forward Mohamed Salah.

Born in London to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, Olise spent his youth career developing in the academies of Chelsea and Manchester City before transitioning to Reading. He made his professional debut for Reading in March 2019, eventually claiming the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season award for the 2020–21 campaign. His performances prompted Premier League side Crystal Palace to trigger an £8 million release clause in July 2021.

This pursuit underscores a significant shift in Liverpool’s recruitment strategy under owner Fenway Sports Group. In recent transfer windows, the Merseyside club has repeatedly demonstrated its financial strength, completing marquee transactions for players such as Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Barcola—with each deal exceeding the £100 million threshold. This newly consolidated purchasing power positions Liverpool as one of the few European clubs capable of assembling the massive financial package required to pry Olise away from the Allianz Arena.

Olise’s ascent to the upper echelons of European football has been rapid. Over three seasons at Selhurst Park, Olise adapted seamlessly to the physical demands of English top-flight football, establishing himself as one of the league’s most creative young talents. His performances in London caught the attention of Bayern Munich, which secured his transfer from Crystal Palace.

Olise adapted immediately to the Bundesliga, registering 40 goal contributions across all competitions during his debut season in Germany. He elevated his productivity further during the subsequent campaign, scoring 22 goals and providing 26 assists in 52 appearances. During his tenure in Bavaria, the 24-year-old has won two Bundesliga titles alongside domestic cup honors.

According to German football expert Christian Falk on *FC Bayern Insider*, Liverpool formally registered their interest in Olise during the summer transfer window. While the German giants flatly rejected any inquiries at the time, Liverpool has not abandoned its pursuit. The Reds are expected to face stiff competition should the player become available. Real Madrid also monitored Olise closely before ultimately signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. Reports indicate that the Spanish champions remain highly attentive to Olise’s situation and are prepared to revive their interest if an opportunity arises.

Despite an active summer transfer window in which Liverpool completed the high-profile acquisition of French winger Bradley Barcola, Anfield decision-makers remain focused on securing a world-class, long-term option for the right flank. Olise, a left-footed right-winger who also possesses the tactical versatility to operate as a central attacking midfielder, has emerged as the prime target to eventually fill the vacancy that will be left by Salah, who has anchored the club’s attack since his arrival from AS Roma in 2017.

Olise’s club success has coincided with his integration into the French national team. After representing France at the youth level and securing a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games under manager Thierry Henry, he has established himself as an undisputed starter in the senior national squad managed by Didier Deschamps.

Securing Olise will require navigating a complex contractual landscape. The winger’s current contract with Bayern Munich runs until 2029, and the German club has no immediate desire to part with him. Instead, Bayern officials are reportedly planning to initiate talks over a new, long-term contract extension. Such an agreement could feature an elevated release clause designed to protect his market value and deter prospective suitors. Nonetheless, Liverpool’s recent willingness to sanction nine-figure transfers suggests they remain a serious contender for his signature when the transfer market reopens.