Michael Olise stands on the cusp of a World Cup that could define him as one of France's finest – but even as he prepares to dazzle on the grandest stage, Bayern Munich are bracing for a fight to keep him.
Former France international Gael Clichy, who worked with Olise at the 2024 Olympics, believes the 24-year-old can be the breakout star of this summer's tournament. "If he can take the season he has just had for Bayern, and bring his magic to the World Cup, then he will be seen as one of the very best that we have in France," Clichy told BBC Sport. Olise, who has scored four goals in 16 senior appearances for Les Bleus, netted France's first goal in their 2-0 win over Ukraine in a September 2025 qualifier.
“Bayern Munich face Real Madrid battle for Michael Olise, with Marcus Rashford a potential alternative if the Frenchman leaves.”
But Bayern's preparations are being disturbed by growing interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are readying a bid for the forward, according to reports, leaving the Bundesliga champions facing a tug-of-war over a player who has only just begun to establish himself at the Allianz Arena after moving from Crystal Palace.
The situation at Bayern has triggered a knock-on effect in the transfer market. Should Olise depart for the Bernabeu, Vincent Kompany's side are said to be ready to pivot to Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Bayern are reportedly willing to meet United's £34.5million asking price for the 28-year-old, but his £325,000-per-week wages remain a significant stumbling block.
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where he scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions, playing a key role in their Spanish title triumph. He has spoken openly about a move to Barcelona being his "dream", but the Catalan club are reluctant to pay the £26m fee required to make the deal permanent, having already spent £60m on Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon. Bayern, who also have Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli on their radar, view Rashford as the more affordable option – but only if he accepts a wage reduction.
For now, Olise remains focused on the World Cup. Clichy, now a pundit for BBC Sport, said: "He is the player I am most looking forward to seeing play game after game at this level, and showing everyone exactly what he can do." Whether that showing accelerates a move to Madrid – or persuades Bayern to dig in – will be one of the summer's defining subplots.