Michael Olise Signs New Four-Year Deal at Crystal Palace: Chelsea Miss Out
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has confirmed that Michael Olise has signed a new four-year contract with the club, ending speculation of a potential move to Chelsea. The winger, who had been heavily linked with a £35 million transfer to the Blues, has decided to extend his stay at Selhurst Park.
The news was announced by Parish on social media, who expressed his delight at Olise’s commitment to the club. Palace boss Roy Hodgson also praised the decision, stating that it was the best possible news for the team. The chairman and sporting director Dougie Freedman were commended for their work in securing Olise’s future at the club.
Olise, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, had an impressive season last year, scoring two goals and providing 11 assists for Palace. His performances caught the attention of not only Chelsea but also Manchester City. However, it seems that Olise’s preference was to join Chelsea, but with the new contract in place, a move to Stamford Bridge now looks unlikely.
This development could have implications for Chelsea’s transfer plans this summer. The Blues may now have to consider alternative targets as they continue to strengthen their squad. One potential option is Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson, with reports suggesting that talks have already taken place between the two clubs.
Johnson played a crucial role in Forest’s promotion to the Premier League and scored ten goals last season. Chelsea’s interest in the young midfielder could intensify following the setback in their pursuit of Olise.
Despite missing out on Olise, Chelsea are still expected to be active in the transfer market before the window closes in September. One potential incoming player is Romeo Lavia, who is set to join from Southampton in a deal worth £58 million. The midfielder has impressed during his time at Championship side Southampton and could provide valuable depth to Chelsea’s squad.
In terms of outgoings, Newcastle United are reportedly close to reaching an agreement for Chelsea academy product Lewis Hall. The young defender could be on his way to St. James’ Park as Newcastle look to bolster their defensive options.
Overall, Olise’s decision to sign a new contract with Crystal Palace is a significant boost for the club. It demonstrates their ability to retain their top talents and signals their ambition for the future. While Chelsea may be disappointed to miss out on the winger, they will undoubtedly continue their pursuit of other targets as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
In the meantime, fans can stay up-to-date with all the latest Chelsea fixtures, results, and Premier League standings in talkSPORT’s new match center. The platform provides comprehensive coverage of the team’s progress and is a valuable resource for supporters.
As the transfer window progresses, it will be interesting to see how both Crystal Palace and Chelsea navigate their respective plans. The competition between the two clubs could continue in future transfer windows, as they look to secure the best talent and strengthen their squads for the challenges ahead.