Despite Chelsea’s interest, Michael Olise has committed his future to Crystal Palace by signing a new four-year contract, according to Eagles owner Steve Parish.
It was previously claimed that Chelsea had triggered a £35 million release clause in Olise’s prior contract with Palace. The news comes as a huge blow to Chelsea, who were eager to get Olise.
The U-21 international from France, who is presently recovering from an injury suffered over the summer, has 11 assists and two goals for the Eagles in his previous campaign.
Speaking on Thursday, Palace manager Roy Hodgson said: “It’s the best possible news we could have. The decision has been his.
“We’ve been concerned, as one is concerned when a club of Chelsea’s stature start to take an interest in a player and suggest that a move to them might be the best bet.
“I’ve always hoped that wouldn’t be the case and that Michael would realise that, at such a young age, his future here is very bright. We can help him move very quickly to another level.
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“I had a long chat with him when the subject was first broached but that was in pre-season. I suggested that being at Crystal Palace would be the best option but I also made it clear I wouldn’t put him under unnecessary pressure.
“I congratulate Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman on a fantastic job.”
Parish said he was absolutely delighted at Olise’s renewal, adding: “It puts to bed a lot of speculation and lifts everybody.
“With Wilfried Zaha going, it would have been a blow to lose Michael. We’re now going into the season with pretty much the team we ended last season with. We’ll try to do one or two more things next week but this makes us all feel a bit better.
“Michael’s got his own mind and people have got to make decisions about their own life. We have given him the room to do that and the fans will love him all the more for making that decision.
“I think Michael will go right to the very top of the game but right now, for his development, this is a good decision.”
Due to a thigh injury, Olise was unable to take part in the team’s 1-0 victory over Sheffield United in their opening game of the year. The club is hoping for a quick recovery and an impending return of Olise to the field.
