Bayern Munich completed their first major summer transfer of 2024 via a £50.8 million ($64 million) deal to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace in July.
Olise had previously been linked with a move to Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City, but Bayern were quick to solidify their interest and bring him to the Bundesliga.
The Bavarians are aiming to bounce back from losing out to Bayer Leverkusen in last season's title race and Olise has certainly started life strongly at the German giants as they look to challenge for honours at home and in Europe.
Despite his rapid rise at club level, there remained some speculation over which national team he would represent until he made a key decision in 2024.
Where is Michael Olise from?
Olise was born in London, England in December 2001 to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother.
He grew up in the capital, spending time at the academies of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Reading, before making his senior debut at the latter in March 2019.
He moved on to Crystal Palace in July 2021.
What national team does Michael Olise play for?
Olise was eligible to play for four different national teams — England, France, Nigeria and Algeria — due to his parents' nationalities and his birthplace.
However, he committed his international future to France in 2024 after making his first competitive appearance for Les Bleus in the UEFA Nations League in September.
Olise only represented France at younger age groups, so it always seemed likely he would pursue an international career with the 2018 World Cup winners.
After playing at Under-18 level for Les Bleus at the Toulon Tournament in 2019, he stepped up to France's U21 and U23 teams and was included in Thierry Henry's Olympics squad for this summer's Paris Games.
Olise 🤝 Mateta
— la chaine L'Équipe (@lachainelequipe) July 4, 2024
La Palace connexion !
Egalisation de Mateta juste avant la mi-temps, bien aidé par son collègue en club Olise
Suivez la rencontre en direct sur @lachainelequipe
> https://t.co/9nP9tscZlg #lequipeFOOT pic.twitter.com/K6K4OLhQSe
He made his senior France debut as a starter in the 3-1 loss to Italy on September 6, 2024.
Michael Olise Crystal Palace stats
Olise joined Crystal Palace from Reading ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League season after scoring seven EFL Championship goals in the previous campaign.
He playing a rotating role in his first season under Patrick Vieira, with just two Premier League goals and five assists.
Despite Vieira's exit midway through the following season, Olise remained a key player for Palace, with 37 Premier League appearances and an eye-catching 11 assists.
Injury disrupted his 2023/24 campaign, with hamstring problems reducing his game time, but he signed off at Palace with a personal best of 10 league goals and six assists under Oliver Glasner.
Michael Olise won Goal of the Year at the 2024 London Football Awards for his strike against Luton Town ✨#CPFC | @TheLFAOfficial pic.twitter.com/d08DWBxmhq
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 1, 2024
Michael Olise contract, transfer fee at Bayern Munich
As per multiple reports, the fee to take Olise to Bayern Munich is £50.8 million ($64 million). His new contract at the Allianz Arena runs until 2029.
Michael Olise FC 24 stats, rating and potential
Olise's FC 24 stats give him an overall rating of 78. Pace and dribbling are his strongest assets, at 80 and 83.
His current potential is 88 on FC 24.
