Liverpool have been urged to go all out to secure the services of Bayern Munich sensation Michael Olise this summer, with former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant pleading for the club to sign the 24-year-old “at all costs” as the ideal heir to Mohamed Salah.
The Frenchman has exploded into one of the world’s elite wingers during his time at the Allianz Arena. In his second season with the Bavarian giants, Olise has been nothing short of breathtaking, racking up a staggering 49 goal involvements in 47 appearances across all competitions. His latest contribution came in Tuesday night’s thrilling Champions League semi-final first leg, where he scored a wonderful solo goal in Bayern Munich’s dramatic 5-4 defeat to PSG at the Parc des Princes — taking his tally to 20 goals for the season.
From his early days at Crystal Palace, Olise always hinted at special talent. At Bayern, he has surpassed every expectation, establishing himself as a dynamic, dribble-heavy attacker capable of producing moments of pure magic on the pitch. His ability to glide past defenders, deliver pinpoint crosses, and strike from distance has drawn comparisons to club legends — and Bayern board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has been full of praise.
Speaking recently to t-online, Rummenigge described Olise as “a wonderful player” who is “reserved and almost media-shy” — a rare quality in today’s game. He added: “On the pitch he’s of course outstanding, the way he celebrates football and almost does magic.” When asked about potentially rejecting a massive €200m (£173m) bid, Rummenigge referenced Bayern’s “fundamental” 2009 decision to turn down a world-record offer from Chelsea for Franck Ribery. That unwritten rule still stands: the club will not sell players they would sorely miss on the pitch. “For a player like Olise, there is no price tag that would make us cringe,” he declared.
Despite Bayern’s firm stance, the links to Anfield refuse to go away. Olise has long been viewed as a dream signing for Liverpool, particularly with Salah’s departure looming at the end of the season. Pennant took to X (formerly Twitter) with an impassioned plea:
“Liverpool go out and get Olise right now, at all costs. There is your replacement for Mo Salah. AT ALL COSTS. Any amount plus Gakpo.”
The suggestion of a cash-plus-player deal involving Cody Gakpo — valued in the region of £37m — has gained traction as a potential route to tempt the German champions. Liverpool are reportedly prepared to sacrifice the Dutch forward to facilitate the move for their “ideal Salah heir,” even after earlier interest in Olise faced setbacks and forced the club to consider alternative targets.
Olise’s blend of flair, end product, and work rate makes him a perfect stylistic fit for Arne Slot’s Liverpool. His 20 goals and 29 assists this season (according to detailed performance data) underline a level of consistency and creativity that few wingers in world football can match right now. Whether operating on the right or cutting inside, the 24-year-old creates chaos — exactly the kind of “wizard” Anfield supporters crave in the post-Salah era.
Bayern’s reluctance is understandable. Olise has become a fan favourite and a central figure in their attack. Yet the lure of the Premier League, a return to English football, and the chance to lead Liverpool’s new era could prove irresistible if the Reds structure a deal creatively.
The message from Pennant and growing sections of the Liverpool fanbase is clear: forget the price tag. If Olise truly is the one to fill Salah’s monumental boots, then Liverpool must move heaven and earth — and yes, potentially sacrifice a £37m asset — to bring the magic of the Bayern wizard to Anfield this summer.
The coming weeks promise intense speculation. One thing is certain: Michael Olise has announced himself as one of Europe’s premier talents, and Liverpool’s pursuit could define their next chapter.