Michael Olise remains on Liverpool’s 2026 radar, though Bayern deal talks and rival targets shape chances.
Liverpool went on a record-breaking spending spree this summer, investing around £440m (€508m, $600m) in fresh arrivals. Big names such as Luis Díaz, Jarell Quansah and Darwin Núñez departed to help balance the books, but the sheer scale of the outlay underlined the ambition at Anfield. Four games into the Premier League season, the Reds have maximum points on the board and look every bit like the team to beat again.
Arne Slot’s rebuild, though, is far from complete. Even as his side chase more silverware this year, Liverpool are already casting an eye towards the 2026 transfer window, with long-term successors for club legends Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk at the top of the agenda.
When it comes to finding Salah’s heir, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise has emerged as a standout target. Since swapping Crystal Palace for the Bundesliga, the French international has been sensational, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous wide men.
Liverpool eyeing Olise despite Bayern resistance
A move for Olise would come at a heavy cost, with Liverpool warned that it could require a new British record transfer fee — eclipsing even the £125m spent on Alexander Isak on deadline day. But with his dazzling form continuing in Germany, many believe he is worth the outlay.
Bundesliga expert Christian Falk has compared Olise’s contract situation to that of Jamal Musiala, warning Bayern against dragging their feet over an extension. “If you wait too long, it’s getting difficult,” Falk explained. “Manchester City are watching him, Liverpool are watching him. The Premier League will be quick to swoop.”
However, not everyone is convinced Olise can be prised away. Reports in Germany insist Bayern have no plans to sell and are preparing talks over a new deal. With four years still left on his contract, Bavarian Football Works played down talk of a release clause, stressing that removing Olise from Munich “will not be easy.”
Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey echoed that view, but refused to rule out Liverpool’s chances. He highlighted Olise’s exceptional development since leaving Palace and insisted Slot’s recruitment power means no player is truly out of reach. “When you are a club who can attract Isak and Florian Wirtz in one window – nobody is beyond your reach,” Bailey explained.
Beyond Olise: Rogers, Doue and Barcola on radar
Liverpool are also tracking other emerging stars. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has been on the radar for some time, though Chelsea remain in pole position thanks to Joe Shields’ influence at Stamford Bridge. Alongside Rogers, Bailey confirmed that Lyon’s Désiré Doué and PSG’s Bradley Barcola are also admired by Liverpool scouts.
Rogers, however, will not come cheap. His growing reputation has sparked a battle among Premier League giants, and with Chelsea pushing hardest, Liverpool may need to act decisively to stay in the race.
On the defensive front, reports in Spain claim Liverpool are weighing up an alternative to Marc Guehi as a potential replacement for Ibrahima Konaté. Real Madrid are understood to be preparing a January bid for the Frenchman, leaving the Reds braced for a difficult decision should their La Liga rivals firm up their interest.
Adding further intrigue, Liverpool have been boosted by news that an “unflappable” Premier League star could be available at a reduced fee, with his valuation reportedly cut by 40%. That potential discount has strengthened optimism that a deal could be struck in 2026.
With Olise topping the shortlist, alongside a host of other young stars, Slot’s Liverpool revolution shows no signs of slowing down. The real question now is whether the French winger is truly the man to inherit Salah’s throne at Anfield.