Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise has signed a new contract at Selhurst Park in a shock turn of events, ending speculation that he was on the verge of a move to Chelsea this summer.
It was understood that Mauricio Pochettino’s side had activated Olise’s £35m release clause and were set to sign the French U21 international, with Olise set to be the latest in their long line of acquisitions.
However, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish took to Twitter to debunk that theory, with the CEO writing that ‘I’m absolutely delighted to announce Olise has decided to commit his future to Crystal Palace football club and this afternoon signed a new four year deal with the club’.
I’m absolutely delighted to announce @m.olise has decided to commit his future to Crystal Palace football club and this afternoon signed a new four year deal with the club.
@m.olise is an 🦅 ❤️💙🦅
— Steve Parish (@CEO4TAG) August 17, 2023
The shock new deal is likely to remove the £35m release clause, though there is no confirmation of this and it may be that the clause is simply raised rather than removed.
Meanwhile, Olise is set to be rewarded for his loyalty with a substantial pay increase which will see him take home around £100,000 per week in south London.
Chelsea will now be left looking at alternatives, with Nottingham Forest attacker Brennan Johnson thought to be on their list of options, though the midlands outfit are looking for around £45m to sell the Welshman.
They face a trip to West Ham this weekend, but may do so without Reece James after the Englishman limped out of their Premier League opener.
