Michael Olise is making a big splash at the World Cup and, together with Kylian Mbappé, forms one of the tournament’s most spectacular attacking duos. While experts are hailing the Bayern star, many FCB fans are growing increasingly concerned about a possible transfer.
Michael Olise has been one of the standout players of the World Cup so far. Although the FC Bayern forward is still waiting for his first goal of the tournament, the 24-year-old is already among the French national team’s most important players with six assists.
Together with Kylian Mbappé, Olise is causing a sensation—and thrilling more than just French fans.
“This guy is on another planet.”
French legend Thierry Henry was thrilled after the Équipe Tricolore’s latest performance. “What a combo,” the former world-class striker told Fox about the chemistry between Mbappé and Olise. Looking ahead to France’s title chances, he added: “I don’t know who’s going to stop them.”
Olise, in particular, has impressed the former national team player. “The most important player on the French team. That guy is on another planet,” Henry said, praising his former protégé from the French Olympic squad. He noted that Olise’s off-the-ball work, in particular, is exceptional: “What he does off the ball, no one else can do.”
The French newspaper L’Equipe also heaped praise on the Bayern star, awarding him nine out of a possible ten points following the 3-0 victory over Sweden. “What class, what elegance, what talent! Every touch of the ball created pace and danger. Everything was almost perfect,” wrote the sports newspaper.
Bayern fans express concerns
While France is raving about its new attacking duo, many Bayern fans are viewing this development with mixed feelings.
On social media, some supporters expressed concern that the close bond between Mbappé and Olise could have long-term implications for the latter’s future. “When you see how well he gets along with Mbappé—and apparently not just on the field—it’s pretty clear to me where this is headed. The question isn’t ‘if’ anymore, but just ‘when,’” wrote one user.
Another commented: “You’ve never seen him celebrate like that at Bayern as he does with Mbappé. You can put two and two together.”
Other fans also see a possible transfer as a realistic scenario—but only for a record transfer fee.
Bayern wants to extend his contract
At Säbener Straße, however, there’s currently no doubt about the club’s position. Internally, Michael Olise is considered not for sale. Instead, the management team led by Max Eberl is working to extend the Frenchman’s contract—which runs through 2029—early and secure the attacking star’s long-term commitment to the club.
Even though Spanish media continue to report that Real Madrid has strong interest and are even speculating about a potential transfer fee of more than 200 million euros, there are currently no indications that Olise wants to leave FC Bayern.
One thing is certain, however: Given his outstanding performances at the World Cup, interest from Europe’s top clubs in the Bayern star is unlikely to wane in the coming weeks.