Published on 18.08.2023
The 21-year-old winger almost signed for Chelsea
Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise has signed a new four-year deal with the club amid interest from Chelsea. On Tuesday, it was reported that the Stamford Bridge club had activated a release clause in the region of £35m for the French Under-21 international.
But Palace chairman Steve Parish confirmed on Thursday that the London-born 21-year-old would be staying put.
Olise joined from Reading on a five-year-deal in 2021 but was in Chelsea’s youth system before leaving aged 14. Palace manager Roy Hodgson said: “We have been concerned. One is concerned if a club the size of Chelsea’s stature starts to take an interest in a player and suggests that a move to their club might be the best bet. I have always hoped that wouldn’t be the case and that Michael would realise that at such a young age his future here is very bright and we can help him move very quickly to another level.”
Olise is currently recovering from a hamstring injury that he picked up playing for France in the European Under-21 Championship, but enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign for Palace in which he registered 11 assists and scored two goals in 37 appearances, earning the club’s player of the year award.
Chelsea have already signed Moises Caicedo this week for а fee which could reach £115m, while an initial £53m deal for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has also been agreed as the Blues continue a lavish spending spree which has led plenty to wonder how they are abiding by the game’s financial rules.
Palace, meanwhile, have lost talisman Wilfried Zaha this summer but began the new campaign under boss Ross Hodgson with a 1-0 win away at Sheffield United.
