For weeks, speculation linked Michael Olise with a blockbuster move to Real Madrid following his outstanding campaign for Bayern Munich and an impressive World Cup. As rumors intensified, many supporters wondered whether one of Europe’s biggest clubs could tempt the French international away from Munich after just two seasons. However, Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl has now firmly dismissed those reports while offering a glimpse into his regular conversations with the winger throughout
the tournament.
“We’ve stayed in touch with Michael throughout the World Cup. We asked him if he wanted to wear number 11, like he does for the national team, but he wanted to keep number 17. The speculation kept circulating, but there’s nothing to it, and he’ll be back as normal after his vacation. We’re simply happy to have such a player,” said Eberl (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “I’ve always kept contact with Michael throughout the World Cup. He sent me a nice photo with Manu Koné. Manu Koné whom I signed for Gladbach back then. We’ve asked him if he wanted to take the number 11, which he wears for the national team.
“He said ‘No, I want to keep the 17’. The communication was very normal. I understand there was speculation, because the World Cup was ongoing, and it involved Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, probably the two biggest clubs in the world. But it was amusing how the speculation kept growing. I thought Real Madrid and us have clearly made our stance public, and we said there’s no truth to these rumours. Hopefully this topic is over now. Michael will be back after the Asia tour, and hopefully he will continue to enjoy his football. We’re simply happy to have such a player with us.”
Eberl’s comments reinforce Bayern Munich’s confidence that Olise remains fully committed to the club. The discussion about a potential shirt number change may seem minor, but Olise’s desire to keep No. 17 speaks to the identity he has already built in Munich. Rather than embracing a new number after a breakout season, he chose to stick with the one that has become synonymous with his success at Bayern Munich.
Perhaps most importantly, Eberl made it clear that neither Bayern Munich nor Real Madrid viewed the rumors as credible. While transfer speculation is inevitable when a player performs at Olise’s level, Bayern’s stance has remained consistent throughout. The club views the Frenchman as a cornerstone of its future, and with Olise set to return after the Asia tour, supporters can look forward to seeing one of the world’s most electrifying attackers continue to light up the Allianz Arena.
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