Roy Hodgson has now publicly admitted that Crystal Palace will find it a challenge to keep Manchester City target Michael Olise this summer.
As quoted by The Athletic, the veteran gave an honest verdict about the French U-21 wideman’s future at Selhurst Park.
Instead of being tight-lipped about what lies ahead for ,Manchester City-linked starlet Michael Olise, Roy Hodgson had no qualms about confirming that Crystal Palace have a tall task on their hands of keeping him.
Roy Hodgson admits that Crystal Palace will find it tough to keep Manchester City target Michael Olise
It was revealed on Tuesday that the 21-year-old, branded as a ‘special talent’ by Patrick Vieira via Independent is viewed as the replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who left the Sky Blues recently.
But while City are keen on the youngster’s signature, it was clarified that they have no interest in paying as much as £50 million to secure his services.
While only time will tell how willing Manchester City are to sign Michael Olise, Roy Hodgson admitted that it still remains a challenge for Crystal Palace to guarantee his stay.
“We had two outstanding wingers who were almost the best in the league,” he said after a penalty shootout defeat by Sevilla. “Michael Olise on the right side and Wilf on the left. We don’t have Wilf [Zaha] anymore. Clubs are circling around [Olise]”, he said.
“We have a fight on our hands to make sure he stays with us.”
Michael Olise would be an astute addition at the Etihad Stadium
With Roy Hodgson making such an admission about Michael Olise and his future, perhaps Manchester City or another suitor in question could be hot on the heels for his signature.
In any case, the Hammersmith-born right-winger is perhaps the most similar player in Europe to Riyad Mahrez, alongside Cole Palmer, being left-footed, technically gifted, incredibly creative and a mazy dribbler.
In addition, Olise is also capable of retaining possession and playing with his back-to-goal, which would make him the right fit in terms of his profile in sky blue.
With Pep Guardiola’s guidance to top things off, the highly-rated talent could fully unearth his potential if he made the move.
