Oliver Glasner helped convince Bayern Munich to take Michael Olise gamble

Oliver Glasner reportedly played an important role in convincing Bayern Munich to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace in 2024 after the German club developed doubts over the winger.

Olise had already established himself as one of Palace’s most productive attackers, recording 16 goals and 25 assists across 90 appearances following his move from Reading in 2021.

Despite suffering two different injuries during his final season at Selhurst Park, he still produced 10 goals and six assists from only 19 Premier League appearances. His form remained impressive after Glasner arrived in February 2024, with four goals and three assists in eight matches under the Austrian.

According to Bild, Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund spoke to Glasner while conducting background checks before completing the transfer.

Olise’s unusual approach to media interviews had reportedly caused some concern inside Bayern, leading the Bundesliga club to seek further information about his personality and behaviour.

Glasner, now manager of Nottingham Forest, provided the reassurance they needed.

The report claims he convinced Bayern that Olise’s behaviour had improved and that his individual personality would not create significant problems for the club.

That recommendation is presented as one of the factors that helped Bayern proceed with the deal.

Glasner knew exactly how difficult Olise would be to replace.

After his departure in 2024, the then-Palace manager admitted the club could not simply find one player capable of reproducing everything the Frenchman provided and suggested it could require two signings.

Olise has subsequently developed into an outstanding performer in Germany.

The 24-year-old has registered 50 goals and 58 assists across 114 Bayern appearances, including eight goals and four assists from seven matches this season.

He has also won the Bundesliga and both domestic cup competitions with Bayern, while becoming a regular France international following his senior debut in September 2024.

Bayern had questions before committing to Olise. Glasner’s assessment helped provide reassurance, and the winger’s performances since leaving Palace have emphatically rewarded their decision.

Olise’s remarkable Bayern numbers suggest there is little remaining doubt over the decision to sign him.

For Glasner, now at Nottingham Forest, the story also provides an interesting insight into how highly his assessment was valued by Bayern when they were considering one of their major transfer decisions.