Crystal Palace are reluctant to lose their key players this summer – but could Chelsea’s loss lead to Liverpool’s gain.
Crystal Palace pulled off one of the shocks of the transfer window when chairman Steve Parish announced that Michael Olise had snubbed interest from Chelsea to sign a new four-year contract at Selhurst Park – and could Liverpool now be set to benefit?
The 21-year-old winger had been expected to make a return to Chelsea, where he had spent time as a youngster, after it was reported that the Stamford Bridge outfit had triggered a £35m release clause in his existing deal with the Eagles.
However, Parish unexpectedly confirmed on Thursday afternoon that Olise would be staying with Palace.
“I’m absolutely delighted to announce Michael Olise has decided to commit his future to Crystal Palace football club and this afternoon signed a new four-year deal with the club,” tweeted Parish, accompanied by a picture of the France under-21 international penning fresh terms.
After losing talisman Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer to Galatasaray earlier this summer, the news of Olise’s extension will be music to the ears of manager Roy Hodgson. Though, Zaha may not be the last departure from Selhurst Park this summer with Cheick Doucoure currently attracting interest from Liverpool, who are in the market for a holding midfielder after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
The ECHO understands Doucoure is one of a number of midfielders being considered by Anfield officials this summer. According to a report in the Independent earlier this week, Doucoure’s exit would command a fee of roughly £60m with Palace reportedly keen not to lose too many players this summer. Now, though, Liverpool could find their hopes of landing the Mali international boosted by Palace’s retention of Olise.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have lost Fabinho and Jordan Henderson this summer, while James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all departed Anfield when their contracts expire at the end of June.
As of Thursday afternoon, Liverpool were closing in on the signing of Wataru Endo from Bundesliga side Stuttgart, with the midfielder now set for a medical ahead of a £16m move to Anfield.
