It turns out all those summer whispers about Bayern Munich star Michael Olise wanting a Real Madrid move? Pure fiction. Bayern’s board member for sport, Max Eberl, just straight-up dismissed them as “silly rumors,” and he’s got the receipts to prove it.
Olise’s WhatsApp Proof Shuts Down the Rumor Mill
Eberl dropped the bomb: Michael Olise never once approached him about leaving the club. Not a single time! Instead, Eberl recounted a killer story about Olise sending him a WhatsApp message during the World Cup. Eberl admitted he hesitated before opening it, bracing for bad news, but it was just a photo of Olise with Manu Koné , a player Eberl brought to Gladbach , with a heart emoji underneath. They were sending regards from America, chilling out. Talk about a curveball! After that, Eberl even asked Olise if he wanted the No. 11 shirt for the upcoming season, and Olise wanted to stick with No. 17. Eberl’s contact with Olise has been “always fine.”
So, for any fan wondering about Olise’s future or what Bayern would demand if a big club came calling, Eberl’s response was clear. He said, “If you want to win the Champions League, that question doesn’t arise. That’s the great thing about Bayern Munich: you don’t have to be tempted by any amount of money.” For now, it’s all about seeing how far this core group can take the Bavarians, and it definitely sounds like Olise is a key part of that core.
Real Madrid Eyes Declan Rice as Arsenal Digs In
Across the pond, Real Madrid might have missed out on Rodri, who eventually landed at FC Barcelona, but they’re not done hunting for midfield muscle. Reports are swirling that Real is seriously contemplating a pursuit of Arsenal superstar Declan Rice. TEAMtalk says Real’s hierarchy is super keen on the 27-year-old and wants to make him a priority signing. The only problem? Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is dead set on keeping his title-winning side together. Nicolo Schira, a transfer journalist, reports that Arsenal is already prepping contract talks with Rice, looking to lock him down until summer 2031. This isn’t Rice’s first rodeo with big interest either, as he previously brushed off clubs from the Saudi Pro League. It looks like Arsenal is ready to fight to keep their man.
Said El Mala: Raw Talent With Work Ahead at Köln
Then there’s the developing story of FC Köln attacker Said El Mala. Bundesliga pundit Kevin Hatchard is definitely impressed by the talent, but he’s not sugarcoating it. Hatchard admits El Mala is “still very raw. There’s no doubt about that for me.” He doesn’t think El Mala was ready for a Premier League or even a Dortmund move, though that seemed like where he was headed. Hatchard confirmed he’s spoken to Köln’s coaching staff, and they are pumped El Mala is still with them, but they also know there’s “work to do to develop him.” He’s not the finished article, not perfect, but “the raw material is there,” making it a big challenge for Kehl, René Wagner, and the coaching staff to get him to the level of a legitimate German international.
With Bayern locking down Olise, Arsenal fighting to keep Rice, and Köln nurturing El Mala, the global soccer scene is absolutely buzzing with player movements and development stories. Keep your eyes peeled on how these situations play out as the season unfolds.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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