Real Madrid know they will have to pay €222 million to sign Florentino Perez’s new Galactico – report
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Real Madrid may have publicly distanced themselves from recent speculation surrounding Michael Olise, but reports in Spain suggest the Bayern Munich star remains one of the most admired players inside the Santiago Bernabeu offices.
The French international has been heavily linked with the record European champions in recent weeks, prompting Real Madrid to issue an official statement denying reports that contact had taken place.
AdvertisementAdvertisementEven so, the rumours refuse to disappear, largely because of the profile Olise represents and the growing belief that he fits the club’s long-term vision.
According to Roberto Gomez on Radio MARCA, Real Madrid are fully aware that any move for the Bayern Munich attacker would require a colossal financial commitment, with the operation valued at around €222 million.
What’s the story?
The latest update does not claim that negotiations are underway, nor does it suggest an agreement is close.
In fact, Gomez was careful to clarify that he has no information regarding direct discussions between Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or the player’s representatives.
“I don’t know if Real Madrid has already contacted Bayern, the player, or how they are doing so. I don’t know. And since I don’t know, I can’t say.”
Olise is Real Madrid’s priority target. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
However, despite the uncertainty surrounding any potential talks, Gomez insisted that Olise remains the player most admired by the club.
“The player Real Madrid wants is Olise, and Real Madrid knows that if they want Olise, it will cost €222 million.”
That figure would make the Bayern Munich star one of the most expensive signings in football history.
Why are Real Madrid interested in Olise?
Real Madrid’s recruitment policy has often focused on securing elite talent capable of becoming global superstars and Olise fits that description perfectly.
The Bayern Munich attacker combines creativity, goal threat and technical quality while also possessing the ability to decide matches single-handedly.
Those traits have helped establish him as one of the most highly rated attacking players in Europe.
Real Madrid will have to break the bank for the Frenchman. (Photo by Reinaldo Coddou H./Getty Images)
While Real Madrid have strengthened several areas of the squad in recent windows, the club remain alert to opportunities involving players who can elevate the team’s attacking level and commercial appeal at the same time.
That combination is precisely what has traditionally attracted Florentino Perez, who sees Olise as the next Galactico.
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The most striking aspect of the report is not the transfer fee but the suggestion that Olise is viewed as the standout target among the game’s biggest stars.
According to Gomez, Real Madrid’s president already has a clear preference when it comes to the club’s next marquee addition.
“The profile of a player who fits the club’s plans is clearly defined. The figure, the star, the Galactico, whatever you want to call him, that Florentino Pérez wants is Olise.”
He then backed that belief by adding, “Florentino never fails. I don’t know how long it will take, which in some cases, like with Kylian, has been quite a while… But yes, Florentino Pérez’s target is Olise.”
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
