Transfer Rumble: Crystal Palace Manager Uncertain of Michael Olise's Destiny Amidst Interest from Chelsea and Manchester City

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is uncertain about the future of Michael Olise, who is being pursued by both Chelsea and Manchester City. Hodgson admits that he has no control over the situation, leaving the decision entirely in the hands of others.

According to We News, Chelsea's interest in the young Frenchman remains, and discussions are taking place behind closed doors regarding whether they will activate Olise's release clause or propose a structured agreement.

Manchester City, the victorious triple champions, are reportedly considering the talented 21-year-old player who contributed to 13 goals in the Premier League last season, scoring twice and assisting on 11 occasions.

Following his exceptional performance, Olise was awarded the prestigious title of the Palace players' player of the season, and he still has three years remaining on his contract with the Eagles.

Hodgson exclusively told We News that the level of confidence regarding Olise's stay at Palace remains uncertain. He acknowledged that if other clubs are actively pursuing him with appealing offers, then Olise will need to make a decision. Hodgson expressed his willingness to wait and see if any clubs make bids to entice him away, and acknowledged that Olise is aware of Palace's strong desire to retain him.

"We really believe this is a good place for him and that we can provide him with a very good platform to go forward in his career.

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Olise joined Crystal Palace in July 2021 from Reading in a reported £8m deal

Unfortunately, these matters are completely beyond my control. The outcome will ultimately depend on future events.

As a manager, one can never be certain that the players they have, like, and want will always remain, considering the influence of the transfer market.

"I can only hope that transfer market doesn't on this occasion punish us by persuading one of our very, very important key players to move."

Hodgson: Outstanding Zaha a big loss

In the summer, Hodgson suffered the loss of Wilfried Zaha as the winger decided to leave Palace and join Galatasaray without any transfer fees involved.

Zaha, who has played an impressive 458 games for Palace, making him the third-highest appearance holder, turned down a four-year contract extension to stay at Selhurst Park.

Hodgson acknowledged, "Zaha's departure is a significant setback. He has been a key figure at the club for several years, especially throughout my tenure of four-and-a-half years. He has been an exceptional player and a dedicated servant to the club."

Naturally, there was immense disappointment among everyone associated with the club upon learning about his departure. However, we have no choice but to extend our best wishes to him."

It was a deliberate choice he made to take this as his opportunity to transition and explore different professional avenues. Considering the dedication he has shown to our organization, it is understandable why he feels the need to move on, especially since his contract has expired and he has chosen not to renew it.

I am confident that he will thrive in Turkey, and I anticipate being asked numerous times throughout the season if we miss Wilf Zaha. In all likelihood, our response will be, "Yes, we do."

Hodgson 'optimistic' of more signings

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Hodgson is hopeful Palace will be adding to the arrivals of Matheus Francaand Jefferson Lerma

Palace has brought in Brazilian forward Matheus Franca to replace Zaha. The 19-year-old recently joined from Flamengo in a £26m deal. Franca is Palace's second signing of the summer, following the arrival of midfielder Jefferson Lerma from Bournemouth on a free transfer.

Hodgson is hopeful that Palace will add more signings before the transfer window shuts on September 1, particularly in light of the recent departures of Zaha, James McArthur, and Luka Milivojevic.

The 75-year-old emphasized, "The club recognizes the necessity of bringing in additional players due to the significant losses we've incurred."

The young Brazilian lad, [Franca], in whom we have great expectations, will be unavailable for an initial period of time as he is recovering from an injury.

Currently, we have a shortage in terms of squad size and the necessary support required to navigate through the opening games. This is partly due to injuries sustained by individuals such as Olise and Will Hughes.

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