Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise has turned down an opportunity to join Chelsea and has instead committed his future to the south London club. The 21-year-old has signed a new four-year contract with Crystal Palace, despite Chelsea triggering his £35m release clause and being on the verge of completing the deal.
The decision to reject Chelsea was announced by Palace chairman Steve Parish on his Instagram account, and it has been met with delight by manager Roy Hodgson, who referred to it as the “best possible news.” However, it was reported that Parish was unhappy with Chelsea’s approach for Olise and was contemplating filing a formal complaint with the Premier League. Chelsea, on the other hand, insisted that their actions were perfectly legitimate.
Olise’s choice to stay at Palace is a significant boost for the club, especially after losing star player Wilfried Zaha to Galatasaray on a free transfer. Unfortunately, Olise is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and is expected to be out of action until late September.
Palace, who have only made one signing, Jefferson Lerma from Bournemouth on a free transfer, are now preparing themselves for potential interest from Liverpool in midfielder Cheick Doucouré. Liverpool’s pursuit of Doucouré comes after failing to secure two other midfield signings, Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia, who joined Chelsea instead. As a response, Paris Saint-Germain, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, may consider a move for Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson.
Meanwhile, Palace’s hopes of securing a loan deal for Chelsea’s Lewis Hall have faded as the 18-year-old has emerged as a target for Newcastle United on a permanent transfer.
