Bayern Munich urged to reward Michael Olise after rapid rise to world-class status
Michael Olise has quickly become one of Bayern Munich’s most influential players, prompting calls for the club to improve his contract before Europe’s biggest rivals make a serious move. Former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus believes the French winger’s performances now justify a significant pay rise—and says Bayern should act promptly to protect one of their most valuable assets.
The discussion comes after Olise produced a standout display in Bayern’s emphatic 6-1 Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig. His response was particularly notable because it followed a difficult night in the Champions League, where he was sent off against Viking Stavanger after reacting to provocation. Bayern then surrendered their advantage while down to ten men, drawing 3-3 in Norway.
Olise responds to Champions League setback
Matthäus described Olise’s dismissal as a serious error, but argued that the winger showed maturity in the following match. Against Leipzig, Olise faced several forceful challenges without allowing frustration to take over—a marked contrast to the incident in Stavanger.
“Yes, he made a mistake in Stavanger,” Matthäus said at an event hosted by his sponsor, Interwetten. “But did you see him at the stadium on Saturday? He was on the receiving end of three or four hard challenges in the first half and didn’t even wave his arms in frustration. Lesson learned, I’d say.”
The former Bayern midfielder also pointed out that opponents may increasingly try to disrupt Olise physically because of the threat he poses when given space. To illustrate the challenge of stopping an exceptional attacker through fair means alone, Matthäus compared the situation to Diego Maradona, one of football’s most celebrated players.
That comparison reflects how dramatically Olise’s reputation has grown. When Bayern signed him from Crystal Palace in 2024 for a reported €53 million, he was viewed as a talented young player with considerable potential. He has since become a key creative force, capable of changing the rhythm of a match with his close control, quick decisions and ability to create chances from wide areas.
How much does Michael Olise earn at Bayern?
Olise is reportedly earning around €13.5 million a year at Bayern. That is a substantial salary, but Matthäus believes it no longer reflects the winger’s importance or his rise in market value. In his view, Olise has moved beyond the status of a promising signing and established himself as a world-class performer.
Matthäus suggested that Olise’s market value has increased by three-and-a-half to four times since his arrival in Munich. Taking that estimate as a guide, he joked that a salary aligned with the player’s current value could reach €45 million or more. He quickly acknowledged that Bayern would not need to offer such a figure, however, and instead called for a contract extension of two or three years with a meaningful increase in wages.
Olise’s performances have also brought individual honours into the conversation. Matthäus believes the Frenchman could have a chance of competing for the Ballon d’Or as early as this year, provided he continues to produce at the highest level for Bayern and on the international stage. Such recognition would further strengthen the case for the club to secure his future on improved terms.
Why a new contract could make financial sense
Bayern are under pressure to manage their wage bill, with sporting director Max Eberl tasked with controlling squad costs. That makes any major pay rise a decision that must be weighed against the club’s broader financial priorities. Matthäus, however, argues that Bayern could create room for an improved Olise deal as other high earners leave or change roles.
He pointed to the possibility that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer could depart next year. If that happened, Bayern could save a significant amount in wages. Matthäus estimated the saving at around €20 million and suggested that allocating roughly half of it to Olise would still leave the club with a lower overall wage bill.
The argument is not simply about rewarding a player for recent form. A longer contract could also protect Bayern’s negotiating position if Olise eventually decides to move. With his current agreement running until 2029, the club is not facing an immediate contract deadline. But securing additional years would give Bayern greater control and could increase the transfer fee they could demand if a sale became unavoidable.
“The longer the contract runs, the more I can get in transfer fees,” Matthäus said, arguing that an extension could benefit both the club and the player. A higher salary would recognise Olise’s status, while Bayern would reduce the risk of losing him for a fee that fails to reflect his importance.
What is the status of Olise’s contract talks?
Bayern have reportedly considered extending Olise’s deal before the World Cup and have recently renewed their efforts. Reports suggest the club may be prepared to offer around €25 million a year, with bonuses potentially increasing the total package. That would represent a major rise from his reported current salary, though still below the eye-catching figures Matthäus mentioned as a theoretical measure of market value.
For now, Olise is said to see little reason to begin formal negotiations. His contract already runs through 2029, leaving Bayern with time, while interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain adds another layer of uncertainty. Both clubs have the financial power and sporting appeal to attract elite talent, making a long-term agreement a priority for Bayern if they want to discourage future approaches.
Prediction: Bayern have strong reasons to move early
The prediction is that Bayern will continue pursuing an extension, but a quick agreement is not guaranteed. Olise’s existing contract gives him a comfortable position, and the club must balance his demands against its wider wage structure. Still, his impact on the pitch, his age and the interest from rival European giants all strengthen the case for a proactive offer.
For Bayern supporters, the key question is not whether Olise has become one of the team’s most important players, but how the club will reflect that status in its long-term planning. His Leipzig performance showed both his quality and his ability to respond after a costly mistake. If Bayern can agree on terms that reward his progress without undermining their financial strategy, an extension could be a smart move for both sides—and a valuable piece of business in an increasingly competitive football market.
