Manchester City target Bayern Munich’s star player Michael Olise, as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his squad after an underwhelming start to the new season.
The Premier League champions have already spent heavily across the last two transfer windows following their trophyless campaign. But despite those reinforcements, City’s performances this term have yet to hit their usual dominant heights.
After just six league matches, the Sky Blues trail defending champions Liverpool by five points — an early warning sign that the standards under Guardiola may need another lift. It is against that backdrop that City’s hierarchy are once again scanning the European market for fresh attacking inspiration.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Manchester City are eyeing Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise, who has taken the Bundesliga by storm since swapping Crystal Palace for the Allianz Arena last year.
The 23-year-old Frenchman is enjoying a meteoric rise, with his creativity, composure and versatility drawing admiration from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
And as often happens when a young star shines on Europe’s grandest stages, Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest — setting up a potential transfer tug-of-war between Guardiola and his former Bayern protégé, Xabi Alonso, now in charge at the Bernabéu.
Olise’s Rise in Germany Attracts Elite Attention
Olise’s first season in Bavaria could hardly have gone better. He contributed 20 goals and 23 assists in all competitions, spearheading Bayern’s attack with a level of maturity beyond his years.
That blistering debut earned him 30th place in the Ballon d’Or rankings, a recognition that underlined his growing global stature.
Already this campaign, the winger has hit the ground running once more, registering 11 goal involvements in just nine games — a continuation of the dazzling form that made him one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting players.
In many ways, his success comes as no surprise to those who followed him in England. During his time at Crystal Palace, Olise showcased flashes of brilliance, combining silky dribbling with an eye for incisive passes. His move to Bayern was initially met with curiosity, but under the club’s demanding standards, he has flourished into a complete forward.
City’s interest in the London-born Frenchman reflects Guardiola’s long-standing admiration for technically gifted wide players capable of breaking lines and operating across multiple positions. Olise, with his balance of creativity and goal threat, fits that mould perfectly.
The player’s contract at Bayern runs until 2029, and reports indicate there is no release clause included. That means any suitor will likely have to meet a steep valuation — with Transfermarkt currently listing his worth at around €100 million.
Given Bayern’s financial stability and prestige, prising Olise away will be no easy feat. Yet City’s ambition and resources, coupled with Guardiola’s reputation for developing attacking talent, could still make the Etihad Stadium an appealing destination.
Real Madrid Also Monitoring as City Plot Next Move
Olise’s form has not gone unnoticed in Spain either. Real Madrid, constantly on the lookout for world-class talent to bolster their forward line, are understood to be monitoring his situation closely.
It is a twist that adds extra intrigue, particularly since Guardiola once managed Xabi Alonso during his time at Bayern. Now, the two could be set for a head-to-head battle over one of Europe’s most coveted young stars.
While Bayern remain determined to hold on to their prized asset, football’s transfer landscape has repeatedly shown that elite players can be tempted by new challenges — especially when lucrative offers emerge from Premier League powerhouses like City.
The Etihad club’s recent history of success under Guardiola has made them an attractive option for ambitious talents.
Players such as Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Rodri have all flourished within City’s intricate, high-tempo system. Olise could be the next piece in Guardiola’s ever-evolving attacking puzzle, offering another creative outlet alongside established stars.
However, with City already boasting considerable depth in forward areas, any move for Olise would likely depend on future departures or tactical reshuffling.
Guardiola has often sought adaptable players capable of slotting into various roles — and Olise’s blend of intelligence, pace, and precision makes him an ideal fit for such fluid demands.
For now, Bayern hold all the cards. As one of Europe’s giants, they have little incentive to sell a player who has become central to their attacking strategy. But with reports of Manchester City target the Bayern Munich’s star dominating the media, it means their interest will not fade easily.
