Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise has reportedly emerged as a summer transfer target for Manchester United. The proposed deal could see Aaron Wan-Bissaka head the other way.
The Red Devils triggered a one-year contract extension on Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s deal last month to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season. Perhaps, it is understood that the decision was taken purely to help the club to raise funds by offloading the right-back in the summer.
According to ESPN, Michael Olise has been discussed by Manchester United in the wake of a summer transfer, which would see Aaron Wan-Bissaka returning to Crystal Palace as part of any deal.
Olise, 22, signed a contract with Crystal Palace until 2027 back in August after rejecting a move to Chelsea, but the winger is expected to be allowed to leave this summer as part of rebuilding plans at Selhurst Park. While Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested in the France under-21 international, Man United’s willingness to offload Wan-Bissaka as part of a swap deal could prove influential to Palace, the report adds.
Man United plotting Michail Olise and Aaron Wan-Bissaka swap deal—Good strategy?
It’s no surprise to see clubs looking to prise Michael Olise away from Selhurst Park considering some of the performances he has produced for Crystal Palace. The French winger has once again impressed in the Premier League this season, scoring five goals and adding one assist.
Luring him away from the Eagles certainly won’t be easy in the current winter transfer window, given his importance to Roy Hodgson’s team, but at the end of the season, a transfer is very much possible. That is because the 22-year-old has another release clause in the new contract he signed last August, which becomes active in the summer but is also significantly higher than the previous (£35m).
It is understood that Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to make Olise his first signing at Man United. Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to sign a new right-winger following Antony’s failure to live up to his hefty £85m price tag, while youngsters Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri are yet to prove their worth. Olise’s age, profile and emergence at Palace have made him a leading target for the Red Devils.
Palace sold Wan-Bissaka to United in a £50 million deal in 2019. The right-back has never looked like the ideal fit for Ten Hag’s side, and while he worked his way back into the Dutchman’s plans last season, the club look ready to part ways with him in the summer. And Wan-Bissaka could now be offered a return to Selhurst Park as the Red Devils attempt to snap up Olise.
This potential deal would help United achieve their top target under the INEOS regime and an immediate upgrade on Antony. Wan-Bissaka has not lived up to expectations at Old Trafford, so it could be smart to try using him as part of a package for the exciting Olise who’d improve United going forward.
