Michael Olise Transfer Race Heats Up as Liverpool Track Madrid and Barcelona Interest

Liverpool’s recent revival under Arne Slot has steadied the mood at Anfield, but it has not dulled the club’s appetite in the transfer market. A five-match unbeaten run across all competitions, underpinned by morale-boosting victories over Inter Milan and Brighton & Hove Albion, has given Slot breathing space. Yet internally, planning for January and beyond continues at pace, particularly in attacking areas where long-term succession remains a priority.

Mo Salah’s return to prominence has helped on the pitch, not least with his late assist against Brighton, but uncertainty around the forward line persists. Against that backdrop, one name is increasingly prominent in recruitment discussions: Michael Olise.

Liverpool monitoring Michael Olise situation closely

Liverpool’s interest in Olise – according to FootballFancast, is neither sudden nor speculative. Club sources have long viewed the former Crystal Palace winger as a profile that fits both the tactical demands of Slot’s system and the ownership’s preference for elite-age assets with resale value. Now at Bayern Munich, Olise has elevated his game further in the Bundesliga, combining end product with creative consistency.

Those close to the situation indicate Liverpool are well aware of the financial commitment required. Olise is valued in excess of £120m, a figure that places him firmly in the elite bracket. Even so, Liverpool see the 22-year-old as a forward capable of anchoring an attack for the next decade, rather than a short-term fix.

Real Madrid and Barcelona weighing Spanish move

Any pursuit, however, is complicated by strong interest from Spain. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been monitoring Olise’s development closely, with the player understood to be open to a move to La Liga should the right project present itself.

For Real Madrid, Olise represents another versatile attacker who can operate between the lines and from wide areas, aligning with their recent recruitment of technically dominant forwards. Barcelona, meanwhile, see him as a potential cornerstone in a rebuilt front line, offering goals and assists without sacrificing positional discipline.

Liverpool’s challenge is clear: compete not only financially, but in terms of sporting vision. While Spanish giants can offer continental glamour, Liverpool will lean on the promise of Premier League exposure, tactical centrality under Slot and a defined pathway to stardom.

Slot seeking next attacking evolution

Slot’s rebuild has already shown a willingness to be bold. The emergence of Hugo Ekitike as a reliable focal point has transformed Liverpool’s attacking output, with the French forward delivering goals at a rate that justifies his significant investment. Internally, there is a belief that pairing Ekitike with another high-output creator could push Liverpool back into title contention.

Olise’s numbers underline that appeal. Across 131 top-flight appearances in England and Germany, he has registered 81 goal contributions, a return that places him among Europe’s most productive wide attackers. His ability to create chances from open play, operate in tight spaces and contribute defensively makes him a natural fit for Slot’s high-intensity framework.

Financial risk versus long-term statement

There is acknowledgement inside Liverpool that recent record deals have brought mixed results. Spending at the top end of the market carries inherent risk, particularly when adapting Bundesliga stars to the Premier League. Yet decision-makers believe Olise’s prior experience in England reduces that uncertainty.

With questions lingering over Salah’s long-term future, Olise is increasingly viewed as a potential statement signing rather than a luxury addition. Should Liverpool move decisively, they would expect competition from both Real Madrid and Barcelona to intensify quickly.

For now, the situation remains fluid. What is clear is that Michael Olise sits at the centre of a three-way tug-of-war, one that could shape Liverpool’s attacking identity for years to come.