He offered him a new jersey number: Eberl addresses the Olise rumors | OneFootball

Rumors of Michael Olise’s potential transfer to Real Madrid have been swirling around FC Bayern for weeks. Now, sporting director Max Eberl has provided insights into his discussions with the French player—and mentioned an offer that had not been previously disclosed.

While Michael Olise was playing for France at the World Cup, speculation about a possible move to Real Madrid ran rampant. At FC Bayern, however, the reports caused little stir. Sporting director Max Eberl was in regular contact with his star forward during the tournament and gained a very different impression.

He spoke with Olise “time and again” during the World Cup, Eberl reported at the presentation of new signing Nathaniel Brown at Lake Tegernsee. The Bayern boss also shared a special message from the 24-year-old: “He sent me a nice photo with Manu Koné—whom I brought to Gladbach back then—showing the two of them standing arm in arm in the locker room.”

Olise Declines New Jersey Number

In addition to the casual exchange, another topic came up. After Nicolas Jackson’s departure, the No. 11 jersey had become available at FC Bayern. Eberl offered it to Olise, who also wears that number on the French national team.

“We asked him if he’d like to have the number 11, just like at the World Cup. He said, ‘No, I’d like to keep the 17.’”

The now-vacant No. 11 was ultimately given to summer signing Nathaniel Brown, who was officially introduced on Wednesday.

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Eberl also spoke clearly about the ongoing speculation surrounding a move to Real Madrid: “People understood it because the World Cup was happening, and Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are among the biggest clubs in the world. That generates clicks,” explained the sporting director.

As time went on, however, the rumors lost all basis in reality: “At some point, it became tiresome as this story was pushed further and further. Even though both Real Madrid and we have made it clear that there’s absolutely no truth to it. I’m glad now that the issue is hopefully almost over.”