Crystal Palace already have plans to replace Michael Olise with a player who can be ‘even better’, talkSPORT has been told.
The Eagles have agreed to sell one of their star players to Bayern Munich this summer, after they triggered the 21-year-old forward’s £60million release clause.
It’s a blow for the London club, who finished the Premier League season strongly with Olise playing a huge part in their strong run.
Although the France Under-21 international missed a huge chunk of the season through injury, he still managed to post ten goals and six assists in 19 appearances, as Palace won six of their last seven league games.
But it appears it’s not all bad news for supporters, as they have another talented star on his way to fill Olise’s boots.
That’s according to former Palace star Darren Ambrose, who revealed some insider information on talkSPORT on Sunday.
“I have reached out to one of my sources at Crystal Palace,” said the talkSPORT host.
“They said the club has a replacement in mind who potentially can be better than Olise in the long-run.”
On the Olise deal, Ambrose said he and his fellow Eagles fans are gutted to lose one of the jewels in their crown, but admits it’s a deal that suits club and player.
“This move is right for everyone concerned,” he said.
“He had a £60million release clause – I was led to believe it was only Champions League sides who could trigger that, which Bayern Munich are.
“I think Reading get £7m or £8m out of that, which is brilliant for them, they need that.
“And he’s not staying in the Premier League and I think Crystal Palace supporters, although they’ll be disappointed with him moving on, it’s a bonus it’s not in the Premier League and won’t be coming up against them next season.
“I’d have loved to have seen him stay another year and learn a little bit more of his trade, but when these giant clubs come calling… and he’s good enough, he’s good enough to play in a Champions League-level team.”
Ambrose adds that Palace can’t afford to let any more of their key players leave this summer, though, especially after their strong end to the campaign under Oliver Glasner that has some tipping the Eagles to break into the European places next term.
“For Crystal Palace, selling Olise is enough,” he added.
“They’ve got to try and keep hold of Eberechi Eze now, he’s going to have suitors and interest, of course he is, because he’s an outstanding player.
“And if they’ve got an Olise replacement already lined up, then you’ve got to trust Dougie Freedman and the powers that be. He’s got an eye for a player – Adam Wharton for £18m, Eze for £20m, Olise for just £8m.
“To walk away with essentially £50m after Reading get their sum, it’s good business. It’s disappointing but it’s good business and Olise will do well there.”
News Summary:
- Crystal Palace have Michael Olise replacement lined up who could be even better, reveals insider former Eagles star
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