Real Madrid have angrily denied reports linking them with a record €200m-plus move for Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise — the same day they confirmed the free transfer of Liverpool defender Ibrahina Konate.
The Spanish club issued a statement on Saturday insisting they had not made any “direct or indirect contact” with the 24-year-old France international, his representatives, or anyone in his circle after speculation emerged of a bid exceeding €200m (£173m).
“Real Madrid deny €200m-plus Olise interest while confirming Ibrahima Konate's free transfer from Liverpool.”
“Real Madrid also wishes to highlight the excellent institutional relationship it maintains with Bayern Munich… and regrets the dissemination of speculations that do not correspond to reality,” the club said. It added that any interest in a player belonging to another club “must be addressed first between the entities themselves.”
Olise, who scored 22 goals and provided 31 assists for Bayern across all competitions last season, is currently at the 2026 World Cup with France. He assisted Kylian Mbappe’s opener in a 3-1 win over Senegal in their first group match.
The denial came as Real confirmed the signing of 27-year-old France centre-back Ibrahima Konate on a four-year deal until 30 June 2030 after his Liverpool contract expired. Konate, who made 183 appearances for Liverpool since joining from RB Leipzig for £35m in 2021, is leaving Anfield on a free transfer after the two parties failed to agree on a new contract due to differences over his value and wages.
“I was deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye,” Konate said of not playing his final Premier League home game against Brentford on 24 May. “At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you.”
Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid have already added Bernardo Silva on a free transfer after his Manchester City exit and Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella for £52m this summer. But a €150m (£130m) offer for striker Julian Alvarez was rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid — after Real president Florentino Perez pledged to make a €150m bid for an unnamed “galactico” if re-elected. Perez won 65% of the vote earlier this month to extend his presidency until 2030.
Real Madrid, who failed to win a trophy last season, are now reshaping their squad under Mourinho — but insist the pursuit of Olise is not part of the plan.