By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

How Michael Olise almost joined Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund reportedly showed strong interest in signing Michael Olise from Crystal Palace before he eventually joined Bayern Munich.
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Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Michael Olise has developed into one of the world's best players since joining Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace in a €53 million deal in the summer of 2024.

However, the French international could have taken a very different path, with Bild revealing that Borussia Dortmund were also interested in signing him at the time.

According to the German tabloid's “Dortmund Insider” podcast, the Black and Yellows had Olise on their wishlist in 2024 and made specific enquiries about signing him.

But just as Dortmund were exploring the possible terms of a deal, Bayern entered the race. BVB were ultimately left empty-handed, unable to match the €53 million transfer fee.

However, just as they were exploring the possible terms of a deal, Bayern Munich entered the race. Dortmund were left empty-handed, as they could not afford the €53 million transfer fee.

Dortmund will looking to find a way to contain Olise when they travel to Munich for Saturday's showdown with Bayern.

BVB head coach Niko Kovac is backing Daniel Svensson to rise to the challenge of keeping the French winger in check.

“Daniel has done very well against Olise in recent games. We know what qualities Michael Olise has, so we have to try to keep him quiet," Kovac said ahead of the game.

Olise, who is valued at €180 million by Transfermarkt, has scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 12 appearances for Bayern this season.

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