Michael Olise has long been one of Bayern’s biggest successes in recent years. Max Eberl now explains what tipped the scales during the 2024 transfer.
Since joining FC Bayern, Michael Olise has developed into one of the most important players on the Munich roster. When Bayern signed the Frenchman from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2024, it was clear that they were acquiring a highly talented offensive player. But even the club officials were surprised by just how rapidly his development would progress.
In an interview with the member magazine 51, Max Eberl has now provided insights into how the Munich club assessed Olise at the time and why they decided to go ahead with the transfer despite his somewhat winding career path.
Ironically, Oliver Glasner was a key factor. The Crystal Palace coach was coaching Olise in London at the time and was in close contact with Bayern indirectly through Christoph Freund. “With Michael, we had the advantage that Oliver Glasner was his coach at Crystal Palace at that time,” Eberl explained.
Glasner’s assessment helped Bayern with Olise
For the Munich club, it was apparently crucial that Glasner didn’t simply recommend the player unreservedly. Eberl recalled: “When a coach says, ‘Sure, take him, take him,’ you get suspicious. But Glasner said, ‘He still has things to learn—and we need him.’ Then you knew: He really values him.”
The conversations with Olise himself also made a strong impression on Eberl. “And then there were the conversations with Michael himself: It’s a pleasure to talk to him about soccer,” explained the sporting director. It had already become clear when he was signed that the then 22-year-old wanted to come to Munich. Olise signed a contract in July 2024 that runs through 2029; to secure his transfer, Bayern activated an exit clause with Crystal Palace.
Still, it wasn’t foreseeable in this way that Olise would one day reach this level. Eberl commented: “To be honest: We knew we were getting a very good left-footed winger—typical for Bayern—but that he’d be this brilliant… The transfer fee was predictable because of the buyout clause. The fact that he’s developed this way is also due to the environment and the team.”
Today, the 24-year-old is one of the most valuable and sought-after players on the Bayern roster. His current contract runs through 2029 and , according to Eberl , does not include a buyout clause. The Bayern boss had already made it clear last year that Olise is committed to the club for the long term.