Real Madrid has pulled out of the race to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, after club president Florentino Pérez personally assured Bayern Munich that the Spanish side will not make a move this window. The proposed transfer was valued at €150 million — a fee that would have shattered Real Madrid's club-record transfer fee.
Why the deal fell apart
Pérez's direct communication with Bayern Munich officials effectively ended what had been a brief period of interest from Madrid. The club had initially flirted with the idea of bringing Olise to the Bernabéu, but those talks never progressed into a formal bid. Bayern, who have been tracking the 22-year-old for months, received the assurance as a green light to proceed with their own pursuit.
What €150M would have meant
A €150 million outlay would have surpassed the €115 million Real Madrid paid for Jude Bellingham in 2023, making Olise the most expensive signing in the club's history. The French-born winger, who has represented England at youth level, has been one of the Premier League's most exciting young attackers since breaking into Crystal Palace's first team. His release clause is believed to be in the region of €60 million, but Palace have consistently demanded a premium for any sale.
Bayern's path clears
With Madrid out of the picture, Bayern Munich now face less competition for Olise's signature. The Bundesliga champions have long admired his dribbling, creativity, and ability to play across the front line. However, no agreement has been reached yet between Bayern and Palace. The English club is expected to hold out for a fee close to the €150 million figure, though Bayern are likely to negotiate lower.
Real Madrid's decision to step back suggests the club is prioritizing other targets or balancing its books after a heavy spending spree last summer. The club has not commented publicly on the Olise situation, and no alternative winger has been named as a replacement. The transfer window closes in less than three weeks, leaving Madrid with limited time to pivot if they decide to strengthen the squad further.
