‘I told Chelsea to sign Michael Olise – he wouldn’t be where he is if he stayed there’

Michael Olise has become a key player for Bayern Munich since signing from Crystal Palace, but the winger spent part of his early career in Chelsea’s academy

Bayern Munich star Michael Olise has made an impressive start to life in Germany – but he may not have reached these heights if he had stayed with Chelsea’s academy.

The 22-year-old first captured attention as a teenager at Reading, and his sparkling displays persuaded Crystal Palace to pay his £8.37million release clause in 2021. Allowed to find his feet and then flourish at Selhurst Park, Olise appeared to be on the verge of a return to Chelsea last year before signing a new contract with Palace.

Chelsea’s interest in the winger was likely a poignant moment for Olise. The France international was in the Blues’ academy for seven years before leaving at 14. After a short spell in Manchester City’s system, Olise spent six months without a club before being picked up by Reading, which kick-started his rise to stardom

Former Chelsea coach Sean Conlon was among the first to spot his potential, recommending Olise to the club. However, he believes leaving the Blues was ultimately pivotal to Olise’s success.

Recalling the young Olise he had watched play for Hayes, Conlon told The Guardian in 2022: “Michael was also training with Arsenal at the time because before you move into the under-nines, you’re allowed to train with multiple teams,” he said. “But he probably lived closer to Chelsea and they obviously have a great academy so he ended up signing for them.”

Conlon was working for QPR as a scout but had only just left Chelsea and believed Olise would slot in at the club’s academy. However, both Olise and the Blues came to a “mutual decision” to part ways, according to Conlon, but leaving the club may have ultimately helped him become the elite player who is shining for Bayern.

“Sometimes people don’t think about it being hard for players who are supremely talented because that can also come with its own difficulties,” Conlon added. “It’s not been a perfect journey for Michael but I think that has benefited him. Coming out of Chelsea at that age has given him that resilience and desire to succeed.”

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Bayern’s new summer signing has scored six goals and registered three assists in his first nine games for the German giants. It was not until last season with Palace that Olise appeared clinical in front of goal, scoring 10 in 19 matches, but it will have come as no surprise to Conlon.

“He’s always been someone who scores goals because his control is so good and he is thinking so many steps ahead of everyone else,” Conlon said. “Michael also has so much variety in his technique that allows him to see the picture and means he is able to make the decision on what is the most appropriate finish.”

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