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The World Cup is drawing to a close, but the transfer market never sleeps. On Friday 17 July, the European transfer market was abuzz with talk of one name: Michael Olise. The French attacking midfielder at Bayern Munich, who has been in sparkling form for Les Bleus, confided to his international team-mates that he wants to join Real Madrid. This bombshell dominates a particularly eventful day’s news, alongside Mohamed Salah’s future destination, Fabian Ruiz’s imminent contract extension at PSG and the tug-of-war between Atlético and Barça over Julian Alvarez.
Olise wants Madrid, Bayern set price at 200 million
According to reports in L’Équipe, confirmed by AS, Michael Olise is “interested” in a move to Real Madrid.
According to reports in L’Équipe, confirmed by AS, Michael Olise is “interested” in a move to Real Madrid. The 24-year-old Frenchman, under contract with Bayern Munich until 2029, is set to meet with the club’s management after the World Cup to discuss his future. The Bavarian club, which has no intention of selling its star player off cheaply, is demanding at least 200 million euros to let him go. Another option is on the table: a contract extension with a significant pay rise to convince the former Crystal Palace player to stay in the Bundesliga. The saga has only just begun, and Real Madrid will have to dig deep into their pockets if they want to pair Olise with Kylian Mbappé.
Salah edging closer to Besiktas, Brandt heading to Leeds
A free agent following his departure from Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has no shortage of suitors. Saudi Arabia and the MLS are courting him, but it is Besiktas who are currently in the lead. According to Foot Mercato, the Egyptian international is close to signing a one-year deal, with an option for a further season, on a net salary of €10 million plus €2 million in bonuses. A monumental coup for the Istanbul club. Another interesting free agent: Julian Brandt. The 30-year-old German midfielder, whose contract with Borussia Dortmund is coming to an end, saw his father and agent visit Leeds United’s training ground this week. According to Sky Sport, talks are underway, but AS Roma and Juventus remain on the lookout.
Atlético hold on to Alvarez, Ruiz set to join PSG, Abline attracts interest from Paris FC
Enrique Cerezo, the president of Atlético Madrid, could not have been clearer at a press conference: Julian Alvarez will not be leaving this summer. Despite FC Barcelona’s persistence, the Atlético boss has shut the door. “Joan Laporta already knows where Julian will be playing next season. He is our player, and he will remain so,” he insisted. Barça will have to make a staggering offer to persuade Atlético to change their minds. At PSG, calm prevails: according to Fabrizio Romano, Fabián Ruiz has agreed to extend his contract by three seasons, plus an optional fourth year. Finally, L’Équipe reveals that Paris FC, the ambitious newly-promoted side, are targeting a double attacking signing: Matthis Abline (Nantes), for whom president Kita is demanding €30 million, and Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre), valued at between €10 million and €15 million.
The end of the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for this Sunday with the Spain v Argentina final, will mark the real start of a summer transfer window that promises to be explosive. Between now and then, the Olise and Salah deals could already see decisive developments.