Max Eberl has looked back on Bayern Munich’s decision to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace in 2024.
| Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images |
Michael Olise has established himself as one of the world’s best players since Bayern Munich signed him from Crystal Palace for a reported €53 million in 2024.
In an interview with FC Bayern’s club magazine, “51”, board member for sport Max Eberl has revealed what convinced the German champions to sign the French winger.
“He had a somewhat unsettled career path: he attended several elite football academies in England. But that kind of background doesn’t necessarily have to be a red flag – facing adversity can also help shape a player,” Eberl said.
“To get to know a footballer, above all, you have to talk to people who have experienced him as either a teammate or an opponent.”
Conversations between Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund and his fellow Austrian Oliver Glasner, who was managing Crystal Palace at the time, proved particularly valuable in assessing Olise.
“In Michael’s case, we had the advantage that Oliver Glasner was his manager at Crystal Palace at the time – and our sporting director, Christoph Freund, knows Glasner very well,” Eberl said.
“When a manager says, ‘Of course, take him, take him,’ it makes you suspicious. But Glasner said, ‘He still has things to learn – and we could really use him.’ That told you he valued Michael highly.
“And then there were the conversations with Michael himself: it’s a pleasure to talk football with him.”
About Author
