Crystal Palace pressured Chelsea to not activate Michael Olise’s release clause

Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise (21) has signed a new four-year deal with the Eagles, the club’s CEO Steve Parish has announced on Instagram. It is a rather surprising turn of events considering Olise had reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea.

The French U21 international’s move to the Blues seemed an inevitability when it transpired that both London-based Premier League clubs had found an agreement in principle, with Chelsea showing intent on paying the player’s €40m release clause. However, RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins understands that Crystal Palace had put pressure on Chelsea to not pay Olise’s release clause, insinuating that the Blues then pulled out of the deal.

I’m absolutely delighted to announce @m.olise has decided to commit his future to Crystal Palace football club and this afternoon signed a new four year deal with the club.

@m.olise is an 🦅 ❤️💙🦅

🤫 https://t.co/S6dzkGXqds

— Steve Parish (@CEO4TAG) August 17, 2023

The 21-year-old versatile forward was one of the stand-out players at Crystal Palace last season, scoring two goals and registering 11 assists in 37 Premier League games, however, he is expected to miss the first few weeks of the new campaign after he suffered a hamstring injury during the U21 European Championships with France.

Olise was also linked with a move to Manchester City, however, he will now stick around at Selhurst Park. Parish said he is “absolutly delighted to announce [that Olise] has decided to commit his future to Crystal Palace football club and this afternoon signed a new four year deal with the club.“

GFFN | Bastien Cheval