Liverpool Backing Off, Man Utd Now Closer to Signing £80million Attacker – Report
Manchester United have reportedly taken a major step forward in the pursuit of a blockbuster signing after Premier League rivals Liverpool backed out of the race for a highly sought-after £80million-rated attacker. According to sources close to both clubs, United are now in pole position to land Michael Olise, the dazzling Crystal Palace winger, in what could be one of the most exciting transfers of the 2025 summer window.
With Liverpool shifting their focus elsewhere and hesitant to match Palace’s steep valuation, United’s persistence and clear plan for the player appear to be paying off. The Red Devils are now working to finalize personal terms with Olise and are said to be confident that an agreement can be reached in the coming weeks.
A Long-Standing Target
Michael Olise has been on Manchester United’s radar for over a year. The French-born winger, who can also represent England or Nigeria internationally, has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wide players since arriving at Selhurst Park from Reading in 2021. With his trademark left foot, exceptional dribbling ability, and creative flair, Olise has drawn comparisons to some of the best attackers in Europe.
Erik ten Hag is a known admirer of the 23-year-old, having highlighted him as a target during United’s January planning sessions. United’s scouting department has tracked his progress closely, and with uncertainty surrounding the future of Antony and Jadon Sancho, Olise is now seen as the ideal addition to inject pace, invention, and end product into the right flank.
Liverpool Back Away
The race for Olise’s signature has been intense. Liverpool, under the guidance of new head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes, initially identified Olise as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah. However, reports suggest that Liverpool have now backed off from the race due to concerns about the overall financial package and playing-time guarantees.
Crystal Palace are believed to be demanding £80 million for Olise, a fee that includes his release clause and performance-based add-ons. While Liverpool were initially willing to negotiate, they have since turned their attention to other targets, including PSV’s Johan Bakayoko and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, who may come at a lower overall cost.
This development has opened the door for United to make their move unopposed—at least from within the Premier League.
United’s Offer and Negotiation Strategy
Manchester United are prepared to activate Olise’s release clause, which is believed to be set at just under £60 million, and structure the remaining value through performance incentives and signing bonuses to match the full £80 million package. Talks are underway to finalize personal terms, with United reportedly offering a long-term deal worth around £150,000 per week, with further bonuses based on appearances and Champions League qualification.
The club sees Olise not only as a tactical asset but also as a long-term investment. At just 23, he fits into the INEOS-backed vision of acquiring prime-age players who can grow with the squad, retain value, and deliver consistent performance.
Why Olise Is the Right Fit
From a tactical standpoint, Olise ticks all the boxes for what Erik ten Hag wants in a wide attacker. He offers:
Technical excellence: A deft first touch, creative dribbling, and intelligent positioning.
Versatility: While he thrives on the right wing, Olise can also operate centrally or even on the left.
Set-piece prowess: A major threat from dead-ball situations, providing both goals and assists.
Work rate: Willingness to track back and press, essential in Ten Hag’s system.
In the 2024/25 season, Olise contributed 12 goals and 8 assists in 23 Premier League appearances, despite missing a chunk of the season due to injury. His per-90-minute stats place him among the top creators in the league, and his ceiling remains incredibly high.
With Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho likely to operate on the left and Rasmus Højlund as the central striker, Olise would complete a dynamic and young front three that could lead United’s attack for the next half-decade.
What It Means for Current Players
Olise’s arrival would likely signal the end of the road for at least one of United’s current right-sided options:
Antony: The Brazilian winger, signed for £85 million in 2022, has underwhelmed. A lack of productivity and consistency has seen him fall out of favor, and he could be loaned or sold this summer.
Jadon Sancho: Still at Dortmund on loan, his relationship with Ten Hag is strained. Even if he returns, Sancho is not expected to stay.
Amad Diallo: The promising Ivorian could be loaned out again or used more sparingly as a rotational option.
Ten Hag wants real competition and accountability in wide areas, and Olise’s presence would raise standards while providing the flair and creativity that have often been missing on United’s right wing.
Fan and Media Reaction
The news of United edging closer to signing Olise has been met with widespread excitement. Supporters have taken to social media to express enthusiasm for a player many see as one of the best young talents in the Premier League.
Pundits have also reacted positively. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand said, “Olise is a baller—pure quality. If United get him, it’s a game-changer. That’s the type of signing that brings the crowd to its feet.”
Media outlets have begun to speculate that United may fast-track the deal to avoid late interest from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich, both of whom have watched Olise at various points over the last year.
Challenges Remaining
While United are confident, a few hurdles remain:
1. Final agreement with Crystal Palace: While the release clause helps, United must still agree on the timing of payments and any bonus clauses.
2. Medical concerns: Olise has had hamstring issues. United’s medical team will conduct a thorough assessment before any signing is finalized.
3. External interest: Though Liverpool have backed away, late interest from other top European clubs could complicate matters.
However, United remain hopeful of concluding the deal early in the window—ideally before the start of pre-season training in July.
Conclusion
With Liverpool stepping aside, Manchester United now have a clear path to sign Michael Olise, the £80million-rated attacker who could redefine their right-wing attack. His talent, youth, and tactical fit make him a priority target, and the club is moving quickly to finalize terms.
If completed, the signing would be a major coup for Erik ten Hag and the INEOS regime—proof that United can still attract elite-level talent and compete at the top of the market. More importantly, Olise’s arrival could signal the start of a new, exciting attacking era at Old Trafford.
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