Liverpool’s long-term search for a successor to Mohamed Salah has once again hit a major obstacle, with Bayern Munich reportedly making it clear that Michael Olise is simply untouchable — regardless of how much money is offered.
Salah is expected to leave Anfield at the end of the season, and replacing a player of his stature was never going to be straightforward. The Egyptian has defined an era for Liverpool, and the club’s hierarchy, led by Fenway Sports Group, have been carefully monitoring potential heirs to his throne for some time.
Among the names consistently linked with the role, Michael Olise has emerged as the standout candidate.
The French winger was already one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents during his time at Crystal Palace, but since completing his £50 million move to Bayern Munich in 2024, his development has accelerated dramatically.
Now 24, Olise has become one of Europe’s elite attacking players. Across all competitions, he has already produced an incredible 42 goals and 53 assists in just 106 appearances for Bayern. His impact has also translated into silverware, helping the Bavarian giants secure back-to-back Bundesliga titles under Vincent Kompany.
It’s no surprise, then, that Liverpool continue to admire him.
However, according to German journalist Christian Falk, Bayern have absolutely no intention of entertaining offers — even eye-watering ones.
Reports emerging from Spain claimed Liverpool could be prepared to test Bayern’s resolve with a staggering €170 million (£147m) bid. But Falk insists the German champions are not interested in negotiating at any price.
Writing for CFBayernInsider, he explained: “To be honest, Bayern don’t care about any potential outside interest in Michael Olise. He’s not for sale.”
Falk also dismissed the speculation surrounding Liverpool’s supposed mega-offer, suggesting there may be little truth to the rumours in the first place. Still, he stressed that even if such a proposal arrived, Bayern’s response would remain the same.
“Even if it was on the money,” Falk added, “Bayern Munich would say, ‘Keep your money, and we’ll keep Olise.’”
That stance has also been echoed publicly by Bayern president Herbert Hainer, who recently underlined just how highly the club values the winger.
“We absolutely want to keep him,” Hainer told Bild.
“He has a contract until 2029. Michael has developed superbly because he was given the chance to prove himself in a top international team.
“We have a strike force that can hold its own on the world stage. There aren’t many clubs with such a strong attack. That benefits Michael.
“Furthermore, he has the chance to win every title with us every year. I see no reason why he should look elsewhere.”
Kompany has been equally glowing in his assessment of Olise’s progress. Speaking earlier this year, the Bayern boss suggested the winger is already performing at one of the highest levels in European football — and still has room to grow.
“We see him every day and he does it at the highest level in the Champions League,” Kompany said.
“He’ll surely be one of the best in the world one day. He’s on the right track now.
“Everything he does is right. His level now is one of the best in Europe.”
For Liverpool, the message coming out of Munich could hardly be clearer. Olise may fit the profile of the ideal Salah successor, but Bayern view him as a cornerstone of their future — not a player available for transfer discussions, regardless of the size of the cheque placed on the table.
