Michael Olise has long since established himself as a key player at FC Bayern. The French attacking star has been impressing with his outstanding performances and is now one of the most important players on Vincent Kompany’s roster. For Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus, one thing is clear: The Munich club should do everything in its power to keep the 24-year-old at the club for the long term. To that end, the record-holding national team player would even accept a massive pay raise.
Olise is under contract with the German record champions through 2029. So there’s actually no immediate need for action. Nevertheless, his development on the field is likely being closely monitored by other top European clubs as well.
Matthäus would therefore not wait long, but would try right now to extend the Frenchman’s contract early. In doing so, the 65-year-old has not only the player’s athletic future in mind, but also the club’s financial interests.
Matthäus is demanding an additional ten million euros for Olise
At a sponsorship event on Monday, Matthäus commented on the future of the Bayern star and made a remarkable demand. “I would try to extend his contract by two or three years and add ten million euros to his salary. This player is worth it,” explained the former Bayern captain.
According to media reports, Olise currently earns around 14 million euros annually. A pay raise on the scale proposed by Matthäus would bring his earnings up to about 24 million euros.
This would make the Frenchman one of the absolute top earners at the German record champions.
However, Matthäus sees an early contract extension not only as a way to keep Olise long-term. Bayern could also benefit from it in the event of a potential sale.
“If I were FC Bayern, I would try to extend Olise’s contract by another two or three years. Even if he doesn’t fulfill the contract until the end, I would at least secure a high transfer fee, because the longer the contract runs, the higher the transfer fee I can command.”
In his view, such an investment would be attractive for both sides.
“That’s why I think it wouldn’t be a bad deal for FC Bayern to offer him a new contract with an additional 10 million euros, and Olise would be happy with that.”
Matthäus wants to use Neuer’s salary for Olise
It’s particularly interesting to see how Matthäus would finance the potential salary increase.
The all-time leading appearance-maker for the national team pointed to Manuel Neuer, whose contract expires next summer. If the 40-year-old were to retire, a significant amount of money would become available in the Munich club’s salary budget.
In Matthäus’s view, FC Bayern could use this money to offer Olise a new contract with significantly improved terms.
In his view, additional spending on a new starting goalkeeper wouldn’t be necessary, as Jonas Urbig is already lined up as Neuer’s designated successor. “And you don’t need a new goalkeeper, because you already have one,” Matthäus emphasized.
With this, the former Bayern pro presents a concrete plan for how the Munich club could financially reward their star forward without having to increase the salary budget significantly.
“It doesn’t get any bigger than FC Bayern”
In any case, Matthäus sees no reason for Olise to leave the German record champions. “I don’t see any reason for him to make a move. It doesn’t get any bigger than FC Bayern,” the 65-year-old clarified.
Since his move from Crystal Palace to Munich, the Frenchman has developed into one of the most dangerous attacking players in Europe.
So far this season, Olise has already tallied nine goals and five assists in ten competitive matches. Together with Harry Kane, he forms the heart of Munich’s offense.
His strong performances, however, are likely to attract interest from other top European clubs. Real Madrid, in particular, is repeatedly mentioned as a potential suitor.
For Bayern, an early contract extension could therefore be doubly advantageous: On the one hand, it would send a clear signal to Olise and the international competition. On the other hand, a long-term contract could strengthen the club’s negotiating position in the event of a potential future transfer.
It remains to be seen whether club officials are actually willing to offer the 24-year-old a salary increase of ten million euros.
For Matthäus, at any rate, one thing is certain: Olise is worth an extraordinary investment.