Max Eberl, Bayern Munich's sporting director, has lifted the curtain on the nervous tension surrounding Michael Olise during the recent transfer window. With Real Madrid aggressively pursuing the French winger, the Bavarian club braced itself for potential bad news. Eberl's candid revelation shows just how closely the 24-year-old was monitored by the Spanish giants.
The WhatsApp Hesitation
Speaking to Germany's Bild publication, Eberl described a moment that encapsulates the anxiety gripping Bayern's hierarchy. When Olise sent him a message via WhatsApp during the World Cup period, the sporting director found himself frozen before opening it. "I hesitated for a moment before opening it," Eberl recalled. "I wasn't sure whether he was really going to talk to me about the Real Madrid matter."
The relief came quickly. Rather than a departure request, Olise had simply sent a photo of himself with Manu Kone—a player Eberl previously signed for Borussia Mönchengladbach—along with heart emojis and greetings from the United States. The simplicity of the gesture underscored how unfounded Bayern's fears had been. Despite relentless speculation linking him to the Santiago Bernabéu, Olise never formally requested a move.
Contract Security and Future Plans
Eberl emphasized that communication between himself and Olise remained straightforward throughout the ordeal. Minor discussions, such as Olise's preference to retain his number 17 shirt rather than switching to number 11, became markers of their healthy relationship. "This was the means of communication between me and Michael, so everything was always fine," Eberl stated.
The French international's contract extends until 2029 with no release clause, positioning Bayern in a remarkably strong negotiating position. Eberl indicated that the club intends to pursue a contract extension, signaling their commitment to keeping Olise central to their attacking plans. The sporting director concluded by noting that clarity on Olise's long-term future should emerge by next summer, with the player's development at Bayern described as "exceptional."
