Crystal Palace complete signing of Reading star Michael Olise

Crystal Palace has completed the signing of highly-rated teenager Michael Olise from Reading.

Crystal Palace has completed the £8m signing of Reading midfielder Michael Olise, who becomes the first signing of the new Patrick Vieira era. The 19-year-old is considered one of the best players in the Championship, he has been capped twice by France at U18 level, and now has the chance to prove himself in the Premier League with Palace.

Several Premier League clubs expressed interest, but Palace advanced quickly to make Olise the first signing of Vieira’s era, just four days into his tenure, and the striker signed a five-year contract.

Advertisement

Olise said to the Daily Mail: “It’s a big moment – Premier League football. It’s a great club and I’m very excited to be here. Good players, a good manager, so I’m ready to start.” He is a left-footed star who is predominantly used behind the striker but is equally effective when playing on the right flank cutting inside into his stronger foot.

As a teenager, the Reading midfielder was a standout performer, scoring seven goals and making 12 assists in 46 league games. He will wear the No 7 while playing for Palace. Although Olise represents France at the youth level, he also qualifies for England as he was born in London.

While contemplating on the signing of Olise, new boss Patrick Vieira told the Daily Mail: “We have the tools in our football club to make him a better player, and we’ve known him quite well because he’s a player the football club have been following for a long time.”