Why Crystal Palace Sensation Makes Sense as PSG Looks for Mbappé Replacement

Paris Saint-Germain will need to replace Kylian Mbappé’s production this summer when the Frenchman reportedly leaves the capital club when his contract expires in June. 

As a result, many targets are surfacing, whether it’s through reports or suggestions from pundits and outlets. The Athletic put together a profile on Crystal Palace sensation Michael Olise and notes that the Frenchman would be an ideal player for the Parisians.

Interestingly, The Athletic’s report hints at a potential desire from Olise to take on a new challenge at PSG, a club he would reportedly consider playing for. 

“A move to PSG is not as unlikely as it once was,” The Athletic says. “The philosophy under head coach Luis Enrique is on implementing a Barcelona-style possession and high-pressing game and there has been a focus on young, particularly French talent in squad building. Olise ticks those boxes.

“Kylian Mbappe’s impending departure, almost certainly to Real Madrid, means they will need to reconfigure their front line. Dembele is the starting right winger in a 4-3-3, usually supported by the advancing right-back Achraf Hakimi. Dembele is a dribbler but often lacks end product — Olise would fit their transfer template, but offer a different profile as a player.”

The forward is under contract until 2027, so it will take a significant sum to lure him away from the Eagles. Transfermarkt puts Olise’s transfer value at €50 million but a move for the winger might require a bit more since Crystal Palace does hold leverage due to his contract.

It will be interesting to see how PSG approaches this summer to begin this new era without Mbappé.