Thierry Henry clarifies Michael Olise’s international future amid rumoured France-England limbo
Arsenal legend and France under-21 coach Thierry Henry believes Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise will play for the French national team over England.
According to Mirror, The Three Lions were observing Olise after he was left out of Les Bleus' UEFA Euro 2024 squad this summer. With a French-Algerian mother and having been born in Hammersmith, England, the 22-year-old is eligible to play for both countries.
Olise has also been named in France's preliminary 25-man squad for the Olympics. Speaking about the player's international future, Henry said (via Mirror):
"We know that he has plenty of possibilities, but he wants to play for France. You have to highlight his desire to show that he wants to play for the French team."
"If he was English, he would have already left to play for England. He could have made the other choice and played the Euros with the England team, like his teammate Eberechi Eze at Crystal Palace, but he wants to play for France, knowing that he wouldn't play in the Euros."
Olise is a hot prospect in the transfer market, with several clubs looking to secure the winger's services. If has been heavily said that he has agreed a move to Bayern Munich in a deal that will cost the Bavarians €60 million, as per Sky Sports.
Premier League club Chelsea were also looking to sign Olise but are believed to have dropped out in the race.
Looking at Michael Olise's numbers as he closes in on Bayern Munich move
Michael Olise has impressed several clubs during his time with Crystal Palace. Last season, the winger made 19 Premier League appearances, bagging 10 goals and six assists.
While the youngster's numbers are impressive for the number of games played, a concern surrounding Olise is his fitness. This season, he missed eight games across competitions due to a hamstring issue and was absent for 13 games in the 2022-23 campaign as well.
With Olise not having enjoyed a full season in his last two years at Selhurst Park, Bayern Munich may have taken a bit of risk signing the player. Overall, he has played 90 games across competitions for the Eagles, bagging 16 goals and 25 assists.