Despite the daunting challenge, Liverpool Football Club, buoyed by a decade of astute management that has significantly bolstered its financial standing and global appeal, is reportedly setting its sights on Bayern Munich's prodigious talent, Michael Olise, as a potential heir to the throne of their Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah.
The interest comes on the heels of a highly successful first season under manager Arne Slot, where the Reds clinched the Premier League title with four games to spare. Although their Champions League journey was cut short in a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first knockout round, Slot’s debut campaign was undeniably triumphant.
Liverpool's ambition has been further underscored by a summer transfer window splurge of €483 million, bringing in six new faces, including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Lenny Yoro. This influx of talent has created a formidable squad, stacked with world-class players in every position. The primary focus for the next season or two will be identifying and securing suitable replacements for the aging legends, Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
According to Lewis Steele, the Liverpool correspondent for the English publication Daily Mail, the club has already initiated the search for Salah's successor, with Olise topping their list of targets.
Olise, a dynamic attacking midfielder, has rapidly ascended to prominence. Born in London on December 12, 2001, the Franco-British national enjoyed stints in the youth academies of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City before embarking on his professional journey with Championship side Reading in the 2018-19 season. His talents quickly caught the eye, and in the summer of 2019, Crystal Palace secured his services for €9.3 million.
During his three seasons at Selhurst Park, Olise blossomed into a genuine Premier League star, amassing 90 appearances, netting 16 goals, and providing 25 assists. Standing at 1.84 meters and weighing 73 kilograms, he possesses exceptional technical skills, including intricate dribbling and precise ball control, coupled with impressive vision and a keen understanding of the game.
Despite his origins as a winger, Olise's slight frame means he lacks blistering pace or raw power. Predominantly left-footed, he thrives when cutting inside from the right flank to orchestrate attacks, resembling a hybrid of winger and attacking midfielder.
His stellar performances attracted the attention of Bayern Munich, who won the race for his signature last summer, parting with €53 million to secure his services, edging out competition from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Under the tutelage of Vincent Kompany in Bayern's 4-2-3-1 formation, Olise has primarily occupied the right wing position, emerging as one of the Bavarian giants' most consistent performers. In 55 appearances across all competitions, including 46 starts, he has racked up an impressive 20 goals and 20 assists. His market value has surged to an estimated €100 million.
Before making his senior debut for France, Olise was a key player for the French youth teams, where he played in the 2024 Olympics, notching 2 goals and 5 assists in 6 appearances. He has since earned 8 caps for Les Bleus, starting 5 times and contributing 2 goals and 1 assist, establishing himself as a prominent figure in their attacking midfield options.
Olise's blend of technical prowess, tactical awareness, and attacking output has made him one of the most coveted talents in European football. His profile as a left-footed player operating from the right, specializing in cutting inside to unlock defenses, draws natural comparisons with Salah.
However, securing his services will be no easy task. Olise is under contract with Bayern for another four years and earns a substantial €13.5 million per year, equivalent to approximately ￡220,000 per week. Considering his age, ability, and market value, Bayern will be reluctant to part with one of their prized assets.
Nevertheless, Liverpool has recently demonstrated an ability to compete with Bayern, as evidenced by their victory in the race to sign Wirtz. With a healthy financial position and a strengthened reputation, Liverpool might pull off the transfer.
Can Liverpool overcome the obstacles and successfully land Michael Olise as the long-term successor to Mohamed Salah? Only time will tell.
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