Michael Olise is a €65m risk worth taking

Robin Bairner

• 22 Apr 2024 09:25 BST
• 11 min read

The numbers that Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise has put up in the Premier League this season have been outstanding.

Statistically, the 22-year-old France U21 international has shone, with a goal or assist every 82 minutes of action in England’s top flight.

Unsurprisingly, the Premier League’s biggest clubs have taken notice. According to the Guardian, Arsenal have joined Manchester United and Chelsea in monitoring the forward, who has a €75 million (£65m) release clause in his Palace contract but could depart for a little under this.

READ MORE: Man Utd transfer news LIVE

FootballTransfers previously reported Man Utd have made Olise a priority target along with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The drawback, though, is obvious. Olise has failed to stay fit for more than two months at a time.

He has been beset by hamstring problems that have spooked pundits into believing that he will be in and out of the injury room throughout his career.

READ MORE: Ten Hag close to sack as Man Utd contact Champions League winner to step in

While this type of injury can have long-term consequences, Olise otherwise has little track record of problems in his young career to date. During the 2022/23 season, after all, he played 37 out of 38 Premier League games for Palace.

The key is making sure that his current issue is resolved properly. Do this, and you have a potentially world-leading talent.

The London-born attacker has already proven himself an elite offensive machine.

Data analytics experts SciSports show that he excels offensively. He is one of the best passers among Premier League wingers while he is a very strong dribbler and finisher. His crossing is not so hot, which could be problematic given the increasing trend for a more traditional-style No.9, but it’s certainly not a deal breaker.

Michael Olise vs Premier League wingers: 2023/24

Olise’s next steps

With a move on the cards, and three of the biggest clubs in the country following him, what should Olise do?

SciSports’ Career Advice tool is clear: move to Manchester United.

The Red Devils get a Club Fit score of 84, suggesting they are a strong fit for the winger. Indeed, no club does better.

Man Utd offer him ideal development opportunities and a strong fit in terms of playing style and formation. While his playing time might be diminished, this may actually be beneficial in the short term as he nurses his body back to full fitness.

SciSports also score Chelsea well, yet OIise is not expected to reach his full potential at Stamford Bridge.

By contrast, Arsenal is not seen as a good transfer for the promising forward. Both his development and playing time is not rated highly at the Emirates. Indeed, the Gunners rank only as Olise’s 44th best option.

Interestingly, SciSports also suggest that Olise has developed as much as he can at Crystal Palace and, therefore, that now is the time to seek a transfer.