Man Utd Open Talks to Sign €77m Premier League Star
Manchester United have reportedly opened formal talks to sign a €77 million-rated Premier League star, signaling their intent to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. With INEOS now overseeing football operations and a summer rebuild on the horizon, this move could mark the beginning of a transformative window at Old Trafford.
The target in question is none other than Michael Olise, the electric Crystal Palace winger who has been turning heads with a string of dominant performances in the Premier League. United’s interest in Olise isn’t new, but according to multiple reports, the club has now taken its first concrete steps toward securing his signature.
This report explores the situation in full: why Olise is a priority target, what makes the deal complicated, how he would fit into United’s tactical setup, and what it means for the future of other attacking players at the club.
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Who is Michael Olise?
Name: Michael Akpovie Olise
Age: 23
Current Club: Crystal Palace
Nationality: France (also eligible for England and Nigeria)
Position: Right winger / Attacking midfielder
2024/25 Season Stats: 15 goals, 10 assists (all comps)
Olise is one of the most gifted young attackers in English football. With his elite left foot, quick feet, and vision, he’s capable of unlocking defences with both passes and shots. Despite injuries that limited his minutes early in the season, he’s finished the campaign in spectacular form, helping Palace climb into the top half of the table.
His standout traits include:
Exceptional dribbling and close control
Accurate crossing and set-piece ability
Composure in the final third
Tactical intelligence – able to operate as a No. 10 or wide playmaker
Olise has been on the radar of several top clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City, but it’s United who are now believed to be in the strongest position.
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Why Manchester United Want Olise
United’s attack has struggled with consistency, creativity, and injuries throughout the 2024/25 season. While Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund have developed nicely, and Bruno Fernandes remains a creative force, the right wing has remained a persistent problem.
Antony, signed for £85 million from Ajax, has failed to deliver on expectations. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo has shown promise but lacks the experience or end product to be trusted in high-stakes fixtures just yet.
Olise offers the ideal solution:
He is Premier League-proven and in his prime.
He brings goals and assists from the right flank, an area of major weakness.
He has versatility, which allows him to rotate with Fernandes or Garnacho if needed.
His composure and work rate suit the tactical demands of a modern front three.
United’s football leadership, now under the influence of INEOS director Sir Dave Brailsford and technical director Jason Wilcox, is prioritizing players with elite technical quality, strong data metrics, and the right mentality. Olise checks every box.
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The Financials: A €77 Million Price Tag
Olise recently signed a contract extension with Crystal Palace that includes a release clause worth approximately €77 million (£65 million). This clause becomes active in the summer of 2025, but Palace are understood to be open to negotiation as early as this window, especially if the buying club is willing to structure the payments across multiple years.
Key financial points:
United are negotiating to pay in structured instalments rather than a one-time fee.
Personal terms are not expected to be an issue — Olise is believed to be open to a move to a Champions League club.
Palace will only sanction the sale if they can line up a suitable replacement.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Palace would prefer to sell abroad to avoid strengthening a direct rival, but United’s persistence and Premier League profile give them an edge.
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Tactical Fit: How Olise Would Slot In
Formation: 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3
In either of United’s main systems, Olise would play off the right wing, cutting in onto his strong left foot. He could also fill in as a central attacking midfielder when Bruno Fernandes is rested or rotated.
Attack trio example:
LW: Marcus Rashford / Garnacho
CAM: Bruno Fernandes / Mount
RW: Michael Olise
ST: Rasmus Højlund
Olise’s arrival would open up several attacking combinations. His chemistry with Fernandes, ability to take on defenders 1v1, and composure in possession would elevate United’s buildup play and goal threat.
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Impact on Current Squad
Olise’s arrival would raise questions about the futures of Antony, Sancho, and Amad.
Antony: Could be sold or loaned to recoup some of his original transfer fee. United may consider cutting their losses after two underwhelming seasons.
Sancho: Currently on loan at Dortmund, he is not expected to be reintegrated under Ten Hag or Amorim, should the managerial change occur.
Amad Diallo: May remain as backup or be loaned again for consistent game time.
Olise would immediately become the first-choice right winger, with the flexibility to play multiple roles depending on form and opponent.
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What This Move Signals About United’s Transfer Strategy
This deal, if completed, would represent a major shift in Manchester United’s transfer approach:
1. Data-led Recruitment: Olise’s profile has been heavily supported by analytics, with his per-90 goal and chance creation stats ranking among the best in Europe’s top five leagues.
2. Premier League Experience: INEOS favors players who don’t require an adaptation period. Olise knows the league and its physical demands.
3. Age and Resale Potential: At 23, Olise fits the “build not buy” model United are now pursuing.
4. Focus on High-Character Players: Despite his flair, Olise is known for his quiet professionalism — the kind of mentality INEOS values in long-term projects.
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Conclusion: A Statement Signing in the Making
Michael Olise may not be the flashiest name in the global market, but his talent is undeniable — and his potential ceiling is immense. With United looking to build a younger, more dynamic and tactically versatile team, he could become the cornerstone of their new attack.
Opening talks is just the first step, but it’s a significant one. If Manchester United can beat out competition and secure Olise early in the window, it would send a clear message: the club is no longer interested in high-risk, headline-driven transfers — but in building a team for the future with players who can deliver immediate
ly.
The road to a new era at Old Trafford might just start with a dribble, a cross, and a killer left foot — in the form of Michael Olise.
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