Liverpool dealt blow in pursuit of ‘world-class’ £52m forward – report | OneFootball

Bayern Munich move to secure Michael Olise complicates Liverpool transfer hopes

Liverpool supporters keeping a close eye on Michael Olise’s future will have noted fresh developments in Germany. According to The Liverpool Echo, Bayern Munich are preparing to open discussions over a new contract for the winger, despite him already being tied down until 2029.

Reports from Bild suggest that the Bundesliga champions want to protect their investment and keep Olise out of reach for Europe’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool. Having paid Crystal Palace around £52 million for his signature, Bayern are keen to extend terms even further.

Rising Bundesliga star admired at Anfield

Olise’s debut campaign at the Allianz Arena was nothing short of spectacular. The Frenchman struck 20 goals and added 23 assists, form that earned him the Bundesliga rookie of the year award. His output instantly justified the significant fee Bayern paid and showed why Liverpool had been linked with him as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.

The Reds have been rumoured to be “mulling a move as soon as next summer” and there is no doubt his profile fits the direction Arne Slot is shaping at Anfield. Quick, technically gifted and decisive in the final third, Olise would appear to suit the high-pressing, attacking football Liverpool supporters have embraced under their new manager.

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Praise from Bayern hierarchy and legends

Bayern’s Sporting Director Christoph Freund underlined how highly Olise is regarded in Bavaria. “Michael feels extremely comfortable in the group. It’s just a good mix at the moment,” Freund told Bild. He added that the quality within the squad is “very, very high” and that competition remains strong.

Meanwhile, former German international Lothar Matthäus offered glowing praise. “He has everything an outstanding footballer needs. I see no limits for him,” he said. “And the example of Ousmane Dembélé shows that a winger can become a world-class footballer. It always depends on the team’s success, especially in the Champions League – but yes, I trust Olise to do it.”

Comments such as these illustrate just how important Olise has become in Bayern’s project, and they reinforce the sense that Liverpool may face a major battle if they attempt to lure him back to the Premier League.

Potential implications for Liverpool’s transfer strategy

Liverpool are expected to strengthen their attacking options in the coming windows, especially with uncertainty continuing around Salah’s long-term future. Olise had appeared a natural fit, yet Bayern’s proactive stance is an early reminder of the hurdles ahead.

As The Liverpool Echo outlined, discussions around a new deal are not yet advanced, but even the prospect of Bayern extending beyond 2029 would effectively price out rivals. Liverpool may need to identify alternative targets if the German side succeed in tying him down.

For now, speculation will continue, and Olise’s performances in the Champions League this season are certain to be monitored closely at Anfield.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, this story highlights the challenges of shopping for elite-level replacements in today’s market. Michael Olise’s record at Bayern Munich makes him look like the ideal successor to Mohamed Salah, particularly given his creativity and eye for goal. The numbers he produced in his debut Bundesliga campaign, 20 goals and 23 assists, underline why he has been earmarked as one of Europe’s brightest attacking prospects.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool are not short of attacking threats, but supporters know that a plan for life after Salah must be built carefully. Watching Olise thrive in Germany inevitably sparks excitement, but Bayern’s decision to tie him down even further suggests Liverpool may struggle to compete. In truth, the timing of Salah’s eventual departure will heavily influence what comes next. If it comes sooner rather than later, Liverpool might need to take risks on younger, less established names rather than chasing players Bayern refuse to sell.

That said, Liverpool’s recruitment department have an enviable record of unearthing talent before their value skyrockets. If Olise is out of reach, the club’s data-driven scouting network will already be drawing up alternatives, possibly in leagues where values are less inflated. Fans should trust that process, although it is easy to see why Olise’s dazzling form is so appealing.

What matters most is that Slot continues to evolve his squad without losing the ruthless edge that brought the Premier League title back to Anfield in his debut season. Whether Olise becomes part of that journey or not, Liverpool’s next attacking star must be capable of carrying the torch for years to come.