Les Bleus may soon see a new face at Real Madrid. According to the latest reports, Kylian Mbappé, France’s captain, is pushing behind the scenes for the signing of Michael Olise, the English attacking midfielder. If it goes through, it would beef up France’s offensive options ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
What happened?
Mbappé, already a key figure in Real Madrid’s setup, has reportedly put Olise’s name forward to the club’s hierarchy. The 24-year-old, who came through Reading’s academy and now plays for Crystal Palace, is drawing interest from Europe’s elite. His technical ability and knack for creating chances make him a potential asset for France. The team, which has lost its last four games (1W-0D-4L over the last five, including a 4-6 loss to England on July 18, 2026), is desperate to turn things around before the 2026 World Cup.
Why is Mbappé pushing for Olise?
For Real Madrid, Olise is a long-term investment. The club is looking to refresh its squad after a string of underwhelming seasons. Mbappé, who has faced Olise in international matches, sees him as the perfect partner to energize the Madrid attack. A move to Madrid could also smooth Olise’s transition into the France setup, where he could quickly become a regular starter.
What stands in the way?
Crystal Palace’s asking price remains steep. Los Blancos will need to cough up between €60m and €80m to sway the Eagles. Olise still has two years left on his contract, which makes negotiations tricky. And he’s not the only one in demand: Liverpool and Manchester City are also tracking him. For France, such a deal could mean less game time for young talents like Eduardo Camavinga or Warren Zaïre-Emery.
What’s next?
France is gearing up for its next match, an away trip to Turkey on September 25, 2026. In the meantime, the Olise saga could move fast. If Real Madrid lands him, it could shape Didier Deschamps’ choices for the 2026 World Cup. The Bleus, currently without William Saliba, will need a rock-solid defense to bounce back from a rough patch. A move to Madrid could also give Olise the experience boost he needs before pulling on the blue shirt.
