Liverpool open talks over Michael Olise transfer, but Iraola faces a major dilemma – report
Liverpool are reportedly preparing a long-term pursuit of Michael Olise ahead of next summer’s transfer window.
According to a respected source on X (formerly Twitter), the France international is said to be “very keen” on the possibility of making the move.
Liverpool’s admiration for Olise is nothing new, with the club still believed to be looking for an elite right-sided winger to strengthen their attacking options.
The failure to land Yan Diomande, who ultimately left Leipzig for Real Madrid, could potentially push Andoni Iraola’s side to explore Olise as an alternative target.
Olise remains a highly admired player at Liverpool, with his quality on the right wing making him an attractive option for the Reds.
There’s no need to overcomplicate it: if Olise becomes available in a future transfer window, Liverpool would be expected to move quickly for the former Crystal Palace star, provided the asking price is right.
At 24, Olise has established himself as one of the most accomplished senior right-wingers in world football. Since the beginning of the 2025/26 campaign, he has produced an impressive 60 goal contributions in 59 appearances across all competitions.
Although there is value in Andoni Iraola having the flexibility to rotate his attackers and allow his naturally left-sided wingers to operate from different positions, Liverpool would clearly benefit from adding a genuine right-sided option. The Reds currently lack that profile, which helps explain their interest in players such as Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh during the summer, alongside other targets.
Signing Olise would also offer Liverpool an immediate attacking upgrade, with the Frenchman bringing proven quality, star potential and valuable Premier League experience.
On paper, it looks like a straightforward decision — assuming Bayern Munich become open to selling him. But there is another question to consider.
Could Olise be gradually transitioning into a more central role at Bayern Munich?
A recent comment from Christian Falk in his Bayern Insider column could raise an interesting concern for Liverpool. He explained that Jamal Musiala remains tied down to a long-term contract, while Vincent Kompany is experimenting with a system that places Michael Olise in a central role — similar to the position he currently occupies for France. Falk also pointed out the significant fee Liverpool paid for Florian Wirtz.
The comments came in response to speculation surrounding Bayern Munich’s interest in Wirtz and suggestions that a potential swap involving Olise could be considered.
From Liverpool’s perspective, though, the idea would presumably be to add Olise alongside Wirtz rather than use him as a replacement for the German playmaker.
That said, Olise’s growing involvement in central areas for both club and country could create a tactical question for Liverpool. If the Reds see Wirtz as a long-term central figure, would having Olise operate in similar areas behind the striker create an unnecessary overlap?
Liverpool wouldn’t expect a right winger to remain glued to the touchline throughout a match. Inverting into central positions is an important part of modern attacking football. However, the current system is designed to create opportunities for the central striker, meaning Liverpool may prefer their right winger to provide a different type of threat rather than consistently occupying the same spaces as Wirtz.
One possible solution would be to follow elements of Kompany’s approach at Bayern, using fluid rotations to allow both Olise and the attacking midfielder to move into central areas and overload the space behind the striker. A dynamic right-back could then push forward and provide the width on the flank.
Another option would see Wirtz move into the spaces vacated by Olise when the winger cuts inside, although that would require the former Bayer Leverkusen star to regularly adapt his positioning.
This certainly wouldn’t be a reason to rule out a move for Olise. However, his evolving role could present Iraola with an intriguing tactical dilemma if Liverpool decide to pursue the Frenchman.
