13
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has attempted to explain why Manchester United’s deal for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olisse is being delayed.
Olise is a prime target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS as they aim to boost United’s promotion chances ahead of the new season.
The right position is a particular area of the pitch that should perhaps be strengthened. Antonio’s struggles on and off the pitch have largely forced Erik ten Hag to deploy Alejandro Garnach on that flank for parts of the 2023/24 season.
While Garnacho did his job there to the best of his ability, it’s hardly a role in which he naturally thrives. In the latter stages of the campaign, Amad Diallo produced some sensational performances on the right, but it is clear that United need more quality going forward. depth. Here comes Olise.
Last term, Olise plundered an impressive 10 goals and six assists in just 19 Premier League appearances. United have been heavily linked with them, but they are not the only ones. It is believed that Chelsea are also in the race to secure the services of the Frenchman.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person reports that amid United’s woes, the Blues have taken a “major step forward” in their efforts to secure Olise’s services by reaching a verbal agreement with the player on personal terms.
Chelsea are understood to be keen to move with speed to ensure they beat United to the 22-year-old’s services. All this comes as the Red Devils are still carrying out an end-of-season review which is expected to determine Ten Haag’s fate as club boss.
Romano joined Ben Jacobs on CaughtOffside’s Debrief and gave his verdict on why United appear to be dragging their heels on the Olise front as Chelsea make moves.
The Italian journalist explained that unlike Chelsea, United almost certainly need to make a sale before making any major purchases and this may be what may be holding the club back from actually landing Olisse.
Romano specifically pointed out that United must first part permanently with Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood. The proceeds from this sale can then be directed towards the employment of Olise.
Romano said: “It’s important to see what happens with Manchester United in terms of the manager, because you always decide the top goals with the manager. Olise is a player they like and someone who has been on the list for months, but as we know, Chelsea are there as well.”
“Olise remains one of the players Chelsea are keeping a close eye on and they consider him one of the targets for this summer after they came really close to signing Olise last summer.”
“He (Olise) is one of the names for United, but it’s really important for United to make some space in terms of finances with Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood. They have to sell both players and they want to sell both players. I think how much they get from these two deals will be really important to see how much Manchester United can invest in the winger and other positions.”
It emerged at the weekend that the 20-time English champions want £40m for Sancho. Greenwood will probably cost about the same fee.
Olise has a £60m release clause contained in his current deal at Selhurst Park.
Want to be the first to hear the latest Man United news? For handpicked, key updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
