MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Michael Olise of Reading during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Reading at Riverside Stadium on October 17, 2020 in Middlesbrough, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
According to The Sun (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United linked Michael Olise is valued at around £40million. Matt Mills, a former Reading player, was of the opinion that it is Olise’s valuation given his age and quality. Leeds have long been linked to the Reading starlet and could make a move for him as soon as January.
Michael Olise started his footballing education in the youth ranks of Chelsea before joining Reading’s academy on a free transfer back in 2015. He initially impressed for the Berkshire outfit’s U-18 side before bursting onto the first-team picture in the Championship during the 2018-19 season.
The 18-year-old made only 4 league appearances in his debut season. He then went on to establish himself in a more prominent role last season, featuring 19 times in the English second-tier.
Olise has started the 2020-21 season in the Championship on a bright note. The French U-18 international bagged an assist in Reading’s 2-0 victory over Derby County on the opening day of the campaign. He then followed it up with his first senior goal as the Royals beat Barnsley 2-0 at the Madejski stadium.
So far, he has made 17 appearances this season, scoring two goals and assisting six more (source – Transfermarkt). He is a part of the French U-18 squad and has two caps for them to date.
Leeds United have a decent first-team and while it was enough to secure promotion to the Premier League, they are struggling to deal with the rigors of the Premier League. While most positions look well settled, it is their attacking midfield that looks like it has somehow been mixed, matched and put together.
Pablo Hernandez was their go-to player last season but he is 35 now. The likes of Tyler Roberts and Rodrigo Moreno are having to chip in as a No.10 when they are more suited to the forward line. In this scenario, signing someone like Michael Olise looks like a very good decision.
Michael Olise would be one for the future given his young age. At 18, he has enough time to develop into a big player. His versatility of playing on either wing and attacking midfield is another factor that supports him. Also, the fact that he is regularly rubbing shoulders with the senior pros at just 18 is clearly indicative of some excellent progress and highlights a level of maturity that belies his tender years.
Under Bielsa, Olise could improve further with intricate care. He could be a shrewd bit of investment by the club. Leeds should definitely go for Michael Olise in January because he would represent a good bit of business.