Man Utd's blockbuster Olise transfer hinges on key detail

Robin Bairner

• 15 Feb 2024 01:38 CST
• 2 min read

Manchester United are likely to move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise in the summer, yet the transfer hinges on one key detail.

United have been linked with the France U21 international for months, yet for a deal to get in motion, it will require the OK of the club’s new director of football, who is looking increasingly likely to be Dan Ashworth.

If this is given, a transfer should be relatively straightforward given that Olise has a release clause in his contract at Palace, although there is a threat that other clubs could also trigger it, particularly Arsenal, who the player is a fan of.

Fabrizio Romano has outlined the situation and given Man Utd an encouraging update on Ashworth, who is currently at Newcastle and has previously conducted some excellent transfer business at Brighton.

“After very positive conversations with INEOS, he’s the man they want,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel.

“Dan Ashworth has informed Newcastle of his intention to join Manchester United. Now it’s on the clubs to see what they want to do, but it’s probably going to be a fast solution. Manchester United could pay the compensation to Newcastle to make things happen as soon as possible and to have their director of football working on summer deals already in March, April and May. This is Man Utd’s mission.

“Ashworth is going to be very important to understand the players he really wants, as well as with the manager and other people in the club.”

Romano added on the this particular transfer: “For Olise, there will be many clubs in the race but for sure he has a release clause in his contract at Crystal Palace and Man Utd know that. The scouting department have approved the player but let’s see what Dan Ashworth decides to do with the player.”

Why Man Utd might say no to Olise

Signing Olise might not get the automatic green light from Ashworth, though.

The 22-year-old may be an exciting prospect who has six goals and three assists this season, yet his injury record casts some doubt over his suitability for Man Utd.

He has managed only 11 appearances in total this season because of a hamstring injury, with a relapse of the problem costing him the chance to play in the weekend’s 3-1 loss to Chelsea.