Kylian Mbappé is reportedly encouraging fellow French international Michael Olise to join him at Real Madrid, a move that could complicate Liverpool’s plans to secure the winger as a successor to Mohamed Salah. The 23-year-old Bayern Munich attacker now finds himself at the centre of growing speculation.
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Kylian Mbappé made a direct appeal to Michael Olise during a recent international break with the French national team. The Real Madrid forward allegedly told the winger, “You have to come to Madrid,” during their time together for World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland. Mbappé has reportedly also submitted Olise’s name to Real Madrid’s chief scout, Juni Calafat, as a player he believes would be an “excellent addition” to the team.
Despite this high-profile endorsement, Real Madrid does not currently consider Olise a priority signing. Manager Xabi Alonso is alternating between Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Díaz on the right wing, and a potential formation shift from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 upon Jude Bellingham’s return could further alter the club’s attacking needs.
Liverpool has been actively scouting for a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah. While the 33-year-old Egyptian star signed a contract extension in April to keep him at Anfield until 2027, the club’s hierarchy is focused on future planning.
Journalist Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail reported that Olise “cannot be ruled out” as a target in the next one or two summer windows, with early signs suggesting he could be “right at the top of their shopping list.”
Salah remains a productive force for the defending Premier League champions, with one goal and one assist in three matches this season. However, manager Arne Slot is tasked with finding a successor.
The club has already bolstered its attack this summer with signings like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, but the specific role filled by Salah requires a dedicated replacement.
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Michael Olise joined Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace in July 2024 for a fee of around €60 million, signing a five-year contract that extends to 2029. His debut season was exceptional, as he contributed 20 goals and 23 assists in 55 appearances while helping Bayern win the Bundesliga title. His impressive form has continued into the current season with four goals in his first four matches.
Before his move to Germany, Olise established himself as a promising talent at Crystal Palace, registering 16 goals and 25 assists in 90 appearances. Due to his performance, his market value has climbed significantly, with reports indicating it could take approximately €100 million to secure his transfer. It is not publicly known if a release clause exists in his contract, as Bayern’s leadership has remained silent on the subject.
