Bayern Munich have confirmed the £52million signing of Michael Olise from Crystal Palace on a five-year deal.
The official announcement marks the end of a protracted transfer saga that has been ongoing since it began in June.
Olise will serve as an integral part of new boss Vincent Kompany’s plans as he looks to overhaul the side that finished second behind Bayer Leverkusen last season, ending a run of 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles.
Bayern are said to have paid £52m to secure the France youth international’s services.
In a video shared on the club’s social media, the 22-year-old donned the Bavarian side’s famous red shirt.
Michael Olise has joined Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace on a five-year deal
The Bundesliga club are said to have paid £52m to secure the 22-year-old’s signature
In an interview with the club’s website, Olise insisted he is determined to prove himself in the Bundesliga and win as many titles as possible.
‘The talks with FC Bayern were very positive, and I’m very happy to now be playing for such a big club.’ Olise said.
‘It’s a great challenge, and that’s exactly what I was looking for.
‘I want to prove myself at this level and play my part in ensuring that we win as many titles as possible with our team in the coming years.’
Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund highlighted the key attributes that led them to pursuing a move for Olise.
‘Michael is quick, tricky, a goal threat and very versatile in attack.’ Freund said.
Bayern beat out competition from several Premier League clubs to secure his services
‘His goals and assists stats are already outstanding. At the age of 22, Michael is already very advanced, but is also hungry and still has a lot of potential.
‘Fans come to the stadium to see players like Michael Olise.’
Manchester United and Chelsea had both been linked with a move for the winger this summer, and the Blues were reportedly prepared to offer two first-team players in order to secure his signature.
After beginning his career in Arsenal’s youth setup, Olise would spend time in Chelsea and Manchester City’s youth academies before joining Reading in 2017.
Olise would make his senior debut for the Royals two years later, and went on to be a key player for the club as they narrowly missed out on the playoffs in the 2020-21 campaign.
A move to Selhurst Park followed after then-Palace boss Patrick Vieira activated his £8.37million release clause.
Olise made 90 appearances in all competitions for Palace, scoring 16 goals
In his second season at the club, Olise was named both the fans’ and players’ player of the year whilst also becoming the youngest player in Premier League history to register three assists from open play during a single game.
Olise’s form continued to improve last season as he reached double figures for league goals for the first time in his career whilst notching a further six assists from just 14 starts, despite two seperate hamstring injuries curtailing his involvement.