Bayern Munich signed Michael Olise on 1 July 2024 for roughly €53 million – a transfer that reshapes the record‑holder's wing play.

Who is Michael Olise and where does he come from?

Michael Akpovie Olise was born on 12 December 2001 in London. His father is Nigerian, his mother is French‑Algerian. Olise's younger brother Richard plays as a centre‑back/right‑back for Chelsea's U‑21 side. The family now lives in Munich, where Richard accompanied Michael to his medical exam.

How did Olise reach the professional level?

Olise began in Chelsea's youth set‑up, moved to rivals Arsenal and later to Manchester City's academy – but stayed only a few weeks. After a short spell without a club, his scout Sean Conlon arranged showcase matches that earned him a professional contract with Reading in January 2017. Two years later he debuted in England's Championship and earned a call‑up to France's U‑18 national team.

What controversies surrounded the Bayern move?

In summer 2019 Olise's agent Glen Tweneboah faced a ban after striking a prohibited agreement with Reading. The FA fined him £15,000 and imposed a six‑month suspension, effective from 4 October 2021 – too late to jeopardise the Bayern deal. Without the sanction, Tweneboah could have claimed 10 % of the transfer fee.

What does Olise bring to Bayern Munich?

Olise is praised for his speed, dribbling and goal‑creating ability. In the 2020/21 season he was named "ELF Young Player of the Year" at Crystal Palace, attracting interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. Bayern activated his €8.37 million release clause and brought the 22‑year‑old Frenchman to Munich in summer 2024. Coach Julian Nagelsmann intends to use Olise on the left wing and as a free‑roaming forward, adding tactical flexibility to the attack.