As per the latest reports, Manchester United is actively pursuing the acquisition of Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise. While the player's signing may not be an immediate prospect in the upcoming January transfer window, there are strong indications that Olise could potentially become the first permanent addition under the partial ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The reports read:
"Manchester United are interested in making Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise one of the first signings of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era at Old Trafford."
The 22-year-old sensation has emerged as a focal point of interest for the Premier League giants, primarily fueled by the tumultuous situations within the club. Manchester United finds itself grappling with challenges such as Jadon Sancho's reluctance to issue an apology and Mason Greenwood's off-field issues, which have influenced his selection, ultimately leading to the player's loan move to the Spanish outfit, Getafe.
Adding to the offensive woes, the current right-winger Antony has struggled to justify his hefty £82 million price tag, failing to meet the initial expectations. Faced with a dearth of impactful performances in the attacking department, Manchester United seems keen on securing the services of Michael Olise to bolster their offensive capabilities.
Why does Manchester United need Michael Olise?
Manchester United's struggles in the current English Premier League season are underscored by a goal tally of only 22, coupled with a concerning goal difference of -5. A major contributing factor to this offensive shortfall lies in a midfield that has not been firing on all cylinders, leading to a lack of service for the forward line. Additionally, an ongoing injury crisis has further hampered the team's ability to create and convert goal-scoring opportunities.
The collective output from the entire forward line, including Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, and Antony, has yielded just eight goals. In stark contrast, Michael Olise, despite contending with injuries, has been a standout performer for his side, managing to find the net five times in just nine games.
Exclusive: Manchester United want Michael Olise in the summer. Crystal Palace won't sell him in January but a release clause becomes active in the summer: https://t.co/96uKaRZuir
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 3, 2024
Michael Olise has indeed been making a significant ascent in the English football pyramid over the past few seasons. At just 22 years old, he has showcased a remarkable ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, not only from the flanks but also from dead ball situations. His impressive tally of 26 G/A over the last three seasons underscores his impact on the attacking front. Another notable aspect of Olise's performance is his consistent overachievement in comparison to xG and xGA statistics across multiple seasons.
Beyond his attacking prowess, Olise is recognized for his industrious work rate. The winger demonstrates defensive contributions with averages of 1.07 tackles and 1.73 blocks per 90 minutes. This dual proficiency in both offensive and defensive aspects adds a well-rounded dimension to his playing style, making him a versatile asset for any team let alone Manchester United. (stats via fbref)
Whom will Michael Olise replace at Manchester United?
Despite an abundance of promising attacking options emerging from the academy, Manchester United is witnessing a competitive landscape as multiple young talents strive to secure a spot in the first team. Alongside prospects like Facundo Pellestri and Amad, Michael Olise is positioned to directly contend for a role previously occupied by Jadon Sancho, who has been subject to notable interest from his previous club, Borussia Dortmund. The underwhelming performance of Antony, with just one goal over the entire calendar year, places him in a vulnerable position.
What is Michael Olise’s release clause?
In August, the Crystal Palace forward had a release clause set at £35 million before committing to a new four-year deal with the Selhurst Park outfit. Despite Chelsea triggering the release clause, their efforts to finalize the player's signature fell short before the deadline. With the player now tied to a new contract, multiple reports suggest that Manchester United would need to shell out atleast £60 million to secure his services.