Former Chelsea academy sensation Michael Olise has signed a new four-year contract at Crystal Palace
Premier League side Crystal Palace have revealed that Michael Olise has turned down a move to his former club Chelsea and has penned a four-year contract to remain at Selhurst Park this summer.
Despite activating Olise’s £35 million release clause, the Blues were closing in on a deal to land their erstwhile academy player, but Palace chairman Steve Parish was reluctant to sell his top player. Palace were seemingly unhappy with Chelsea’s approach to the winger and were considering filing a formal complaint with the Premier League over their approach.
However, the Blues claimed it was legal and their behaviour was above board towards the pursuit of a 21-year-old. However, he has now chosen to stay put and continue at Palaced. This will be a huge blow for Chelsea, who were pushing to sign the youngster to bolster their attacking areas but will have to look elsewhere now.
Parish confirmed that it was Olise’s decision to sign a new contract, (h/t Guardian) as he told the reporter after the 21-year-old extended his contract for another four years:
“Michael’s got his own mind, and people have got to make decisions about their own lives. We have given him the room to do that, and the fans will love him all the more for making that decision. I think Michael will go right to the very top of the game, but right now, for his development, this is a good decision.”
We were so close to signing Olise. We activated his release clause and reached a personal agreement with him. He wanted to join us instead of Manchester City, so this is a significant setback for us. Now that the transfer window is also coming to an end, this will push us to look elsewhere and now we will have to make quick moves as we cannot leave the additions unaddressed.
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His addition would have sorted out our midfield and attacking area due to his dynamism but it is what it is and we should now move on and look for other alternatives. Who that will be remains to be seen.