Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his consortium have reportedly identified Michael Olise of Crystal Palace as their only approved transfer target thus far. This comes as Manchester United continues its rebuild under new ownership, aiming to reclaim its place among the Premier League elite.
While recent results under Erik ten Hag offer glimmers of hope, significant changes remain necessary to achieve sustained success. Ratcliffe and his team are actively working to identify and acquire the talent needed to fulfill their ambitions.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe approves Michael Olise for Manchester United
Manchester United’s transfer focus for the summer narrows, with Michael Olise emerging as the sole “categorical and endorsed” target under new ownership, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Jacobs told GiveMeSport, “The only target under the current regime and the new Ratcliffe-led ownership is Michael Olise at Crystal Palace. Everything else is up in the air.”
Olise’s impressive form for Crystal Palace has attracted attention from several top clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal. However, United’s renewed recruitment strategy seemingly prioritizes the talented winger.
Jacobs clarifies, “INEOS is thinking more about broad positions, like striker, and outgoings to fund the window. Once the new recruitment team is built, we’ll see which other links are concrete.”
Olise would be an upgrade on Antony at Manchester United
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s imminent takeover of Manchester United, speculation surrounding potential transfer targets is rife. One name gaining traction is Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, with reports suggesting a £60 million release clause activation.
While Olise’s talent is undeniable, the hefty price tag raises questions. This proposed fee dwarfs the £50 million United paid for Antony last summer, who has struggled to consistently justify his price tag.
Despite Antony’s mixed bag of performances, Olise’s superior statistics in the same period – 8 goals and 14 assists compared to Antony’s 4 and 2 – suggest he could be a more effective acquisition.
However, the wisdom of triggering such a large release clause remains debatable. While Olise’s potential is evident, the risks associated with a potentially inflated price tag cannot be ignored.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue Olise lies with the incoming United leadership. Whether they view him as a statement signing or an overpriced gamble remains to be seen.