Real Madrid has made a public statement regarding Michael Olise—and in doing so, has fueled rather than quelled the rumors surrounding the Bayern star. The Spanish club denies any contact. But it is precisely this unusual statement that raises new questions.
Last Saturday, the Royals issued a surprising statement. In it, they addressed the numerous reports of interest in Olise and emphasized that they had not made contact with the winger or his entourage, either directly or indirectly.
In addition, the Madrid club highlighted its good relationship with the German record champions. According to the statement, they would always discuss any potential transfer interest first with Bayern Munich’s management—and not directly with the player. This is a rare move in professional soccer, one with which Real Madrid apparently aims to calm the buzz surrounding Olise.
Olise himself is currently making headlines with France at the World Cup. The 24-year-old has been rumored for months to be a transfer target for the Spanish club, but he has a long-term contract in Munich—running through 2029.
Three theories about Real’s statement
BILD puts forward three theories regarding the statement. According to the first theory, Real Madrid has indeed had no contact with Olise and does not plan to make a move this summer—either because other stars are a priority or because the Spanish club sees no chance of a deal following Bayern’s repeated declarations that he is “not for sale.” The statement would then be a simple denial, also intended to avoid causing any friction in Munich.
The second theory: Real is, in fact, considering an Olise bid—or may already be planning one—but does not want to upset either Bayern or FIFA. That is why the Madrid club is making it clear in advance that, should they make a move, they will first speak with Bayern’s officials.
The most explosive scenario is the third one: According to this, Real could be planning—or may have already launched—a covert bid, in which the initial goal is to convince the player to make the move—possibly to use his desire as leverage against Bayern. In this case, according to the report, the statement would be nothing more than a bluff. The Spanish club would have to publicly deny any negotiations without the club’s consent, as such talks are prohibited under FIFA regulations as long as a player has more than six months remaining on his contract.
The “bluff” theory is gaining traction, especially on social media—often with reference to a Real Madrid statement from November 2023 regarding Kylian Mbappé. Back then, too, Real Madrid insisted they had not held any transfer talks. Ironically, just seven months later, Real announced the Frenchman’s signing on a free transfer.
From Bayern’s perspective, however, there is one crucial difference. Unlike PSG in the Mbappé case, Bayern has full control over the World Cup star’s future thanks to his contract, which runs through 2029.