Crystal Palace head coach Roy Hodgson explains why winger Michael Olise stayed with the Eagles rather than signing for Chelsea. The Blues seemed certain to sign the athlete – so what went wrong?
Palace co-owner Steve Parish couldn’t help himself but gloat in a rather cringeworthy and self-serving way manner as he personally made an announcement on Thursday lunchtime. The CPFC chairman oddly announced the extension of Olise’s Palace contract on his Twitter (or X, eyes roll) page which linked to another personal social media account on Instagram. Best day of your life there, Steve? Eagles manager Hodgson was more respectful, moderate and appreciative of the renewal; not that he was gentle with Sheffield United’s Max Lowe. The former England boss, 76, was delighted and relieved to have Olise in his squad for the current campaign after almost losing him to the bigger and more powerful outfit. Hodgson understands the importance:
"Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson on Michael Olise signing a new deal: “It’s the best possible news we could have. We have been concerned, one is concerned if a club the size of Chelsea’s stature start to take an interest in a player and suggests that a move to their club might be the best bet. I have always hoped that wouldn’t be the case and that Michael would realise that at such a young age his future here is very bright and we can help him move very quickly to another level, if that is going to happen in time.”Hodgson later added: “I had a long chat with him when the subject was first broached but that was a long time ago at the start of pre-season.“I made it clear to him just how much I enjoy working with him and how much respect I have for him as a player and what potential I think he has as a player.“And in that I suggested that I thought being at Crystal Palace and playing here would be the best option but I also made it clear that I wasn’t going to put him under any unnecessary pressure.“He had pressure from all sides so I could only tell him honestly what I think from my side. I’m always here if he wants to discuss it further. As a result, we speak everyday but I’ve shied away from asking ‘what are you going to do?’ or giving him further advice. He knows what I’ve got to say and I just hoped we’d get the answer we want.”BBC Sport"
Chelsea supposedly interested in Lyon’s Bradley Barcola
According to a report from France, Chels‘ are now competing against Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer sense, as opposed to on the pitch. Though PSG are still said to be ‘hopeful’ of securing Barcola eventually, in spite of an initial offer being declined. RMC Sport claim that a €30 million bid was rejected by Lyon for their attacking star.
Because of the aforementioned failure to lure Olise to Stamford Bridge, the Blues are now ‘pushing’ for the another young Frenchman. As Barcola is only 20 years-old, this move from CFC will be seen as another attempt to monopolise the best growing talent in the footballing world. The forward’s quality is proven in Europe with an eye-catching eight assists and seven goals in 31 matches last season. At present, the Villeurbanne-born man has not agreed terms with any external clubs; his valuation is apparently around €50m.