If Real Madrid is to mark a new era with a blockbuster signing this summer, it should join Liverpool in the race for Michael Olise. The French winger is undoubtedly one of Europe's best attacking talents who has been a key man for Bayern Munich this season.
According to Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Olise is a "dream target for Liverpool" but a potential summer transfer is viewed as "completely unrealistic." It seems the 24-year-old will be on the Premier League club's shortlist moving forward.
Olise has starred for Bayern, producing remarkable goal contribution numbers at the Allianz Arena. He currently sits on 13 goals and 25 assists in 36 games across competitions.
Olise has been linked with Madrid
Plettenberg claims that Olise is not for sale and that Bayern are looking to extend his contract beyond 2029. Liverpool are looking at RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande as a potential alternative.
Olise has been with the Bavarians since July 2024 when he joined from Crystal Palace for around £50m. He has made 91 appearances, posting 33 goals and 48 assists.
Madrid have previously been linked with the Frenchman and a seperate report suggested he has plans of playing in Spain one day. Los Blancos aren't short of attacking options, but are enduring issues such as Rodrygo's ACL injury.
Rodrygo's future isn't certain ahead of Endrick's return from his loan spell at Lyon this summer. Reports claim that the club would prefer to sell Rodrygo than Endrick to align with the latter's desire for more first-team opportunities.
Olise an ideal Rodrygo replacement
Olise, who Manuel Neuer called a "dangerous" player, would be a magnificent signing for Madrid and he could be ideal to link up with his compatriot Kylian Mbappe at the Bernabeu. A potential move doesn't look likely this summer but if he doesn't extend his contract it could give the Spanish giants the chance to swoop in the future.
Liverpool seem to be the Frenchman's main admirers as they prepare for life without star man Mohamed Salah. But he has already spent time in the Premier League and the desire to try out Spanish football could pay dividends.
Rodrygo bounced back from a difficult FIFA Club World Cup campaign and reclaimed a starting berth on the right of Madrid's three-man attack. But there are still reservations over him being the long-term answer given his record of just three goals and six assists in 27 games across competitions this season.
If Los Blancos were to sell the Brazilian they should almost certainly prioritise Olise as his replacement. He is versatile, able to play in attacking midfield as well as on the wing.