Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has revealed that he once hesitated to open a WhatsApp message from Michael Olise because he feared the winger was about to tell him he wanted to join Real Madrid.
Olise was heavily linked with a move to the Spanish giants during the summer, with reports suggesting he could become one of Real Madrid’s major targets.
Despite the speculation, however, Eberl insists the France international never asked Bayern to let him leave for the Santiago Bernabeu.
Eberl feared Olise’s message
Speaking to German outlet Bild, Eberl admitted that the constant rumours surrounding Olise’s future had even made him nervous about receiving a simple message from the player.
“Olise never asked me, not once, to leave Bayern Munich and move to Real Madrid, and yet the fear was there,” Eberl said.
He then recalled an amusing incident involving a WhatsApp message Olise sent during the World Cup.
“Michael sent me a message via WhatsApp during the World Cup. I hesitated for a moment before opening it. I wasn’t sure whether he was really going to talk to me about the Real Madrid matter,” Eberl explained.
Instead, the message contained a photograph of Olise with Manu Kone in the United States, accompanied by a heart and greetings for the Bayern sporting director.
The exchange appeared to reassure Eberl that there was no immediate issue concerning Olise’s future.
The sporting director also revealed that the pair later discussed Olise’s shirt number, with the winger choosing to retain the No.17 jersey rather than switch to No.11.
Bayern want Olise to stay
Bayern have little reason to panic over Olise’s situation for now, with the 24-year-old under contract until 2029.
Eberl also confirmed that the winger’s deal does not contain a release clause, strengthening Bayern’s position should Real Madrid or another major European club make an approach.
“Michael has developed exceptionally with us. We will sit down and discuss the next steps at the right time,” Eberl said.
“He still has three years left on his contract, and I would like to emphasise that there is no release clause.”
Eberl added that Bayern expect greater clarity over Olise’s long-term plans by next summer.
“By next summer, we will know whether he wants to renew or not,” he said.
