Deschamps says Olise free to leave Bayern as Real Madrid plot record £130m signing

France manager Didier Deschamps has declined to steer Michael Olise away from a potential move from Bayern Munich, telling Marca there is “no right or wrong choice” for the winger as Real Madrid circle with a record-breaking transfer offer on the horizon.

Olise, 23, arrives at the 2026 World Cup in exceptional form after scoring 22 goals in his second Bundesliga season, forming a formidable attacking trio alongside Harry Kane and Luis Diaz. The former Crystal Palace winger has established himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous wide forwards since his move to Germany.

Deschamps was measured but open when asked about Olise’s future. “He will know very well whether he stays at Bayern Munich or whether he needs a change of scenery,” the France boss said. “There is no right or wrong choice. Obviously, if I put myself in Kompany’s or the Bayern president’s shoes, having him stay at Bayern would be something very, very good. I imagine he may also receive offers from other clubs. I am not worried by the fact that what he does with Bayern or what he does with the French national team could also be reproduced at other clubs.”

The comments arrive in the same week that Real Madrid president-elect Florentino Perez sent the transfer market into a spin by announcing on Spanish television that Los Blancos are preparing the largest fee in the club’s history for a major Champions League player. “On Tuesday or so, I’m going to make an offer to a major Champions League club for a great player,” Perez said on Horizonte. “It would be the largest transfer fee Real Madrid has ever paid in its history — at least around 150m. He needs to be a player from midfield who can go forward.”

Perez explicitly ruled out Olise, Jérémy Doku, and Erling Haaland as the target, and confirmed the player is not from the Premier League, leaving the identity of Madrid’s primary objective a matter of widespread speculation. Despite the denial, persistent reports continue to link Olise with the Spanish capital, fuelled in part by Deschamps’ conspicuously neutral stance.

Real Madrid are motivated by urgency after back-to-back trophyless seasons — a rare drought for a club of their stature. Bayern, meanwhile, will be reluctant sellers. The German champions remain a continental force, reaching the Champions League semi-finals this season before losing to PSG, and Olise is central to their plans under Vincent Kompany.

Whether Perez’s mystery target turns out to be Olise or someone else entirely, the coming days are set to reshape the summer transfer window at the very top of European football.