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Is Michael Olise truly worth €223 million? Reports suggest that Real Madrid are considering a record-breaking move for the Bayern Munich winger, sparking widespread debate. Former France striker Louis Saha has shared his thoughts on the speculation, describing the figures being discussed as “crazy numbers.”

Olise’s journey from Reading to Bayern Munich and the World Cup has been nothing short of remarkable. The Brazilian forward Neymar still holds the record for the most expensive transfer in football history, having moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 — a deal that transformed the global transfer market.

That record, however, could soon be under threat. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez continues to follow his famous ‘Galactico’ policy at the Santiago Bernabeu, showing no hesitation in spending big to recruit the world’s elite players.

Olise now finds himself in that elite category. The gifted 24-year-old has experienced a meteoric rise since 2021, when he was still playing in the Championship for Reading before earning a transfer to Premier League side Crystal Palace that same summer.

Since then, he has dazzled in the English top flight, represented France at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, joined Harry Kane and company at Bayern Munich — helping them to back-to-back Bundesliga titles — and become a key member of the French national team at the 2026 World Cup.

During the 2025–26 season, Olise delivered exceptional numbers: 25 goals and 28 assists. Those statistics have naturally attracted attention from the Spanish capital, with Real Madrid reportedly ready to make history by bringing him into an attack already featuring Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

So, is Olise truly worth €223 million if Real Madrid decide to make a formal bid? Addressing this question, former France international Louis Saha offered his perspective in an interview with GOAL, in association with Freebets.com. Saha said, “It’s absolutely crazy numbers. But I do think that he deserves those kinds of accolades and discussions because what he has achieved in just one or two years is unbelievable.”

He continued, “Remember, he was playing for Crystal Palace not long ago, and many people didn’t fully understand his level of talent. It’s also a wonderful story — someone who was once thought to be nonchalant or not passionate enough about football has silenced every critic. He’s proven that when you play with your own identity, you can achieve extraordinary things. Now the whole world is chasing him, and that’s beautiful.”

Comparing Olise’s performances to those of Zinedine Zidane, Saha reflected on his impact at the 2026 World Cup, where France remain favourites to win the title in North America. “He hasn’t scored yet, but he’s been unlucky. He could easily have had four or five goals and seven assists. No player has been as influential,” said Saha.

He added, “I remember Zidane in 2006 — he was sensational, tearing apart Brazil and Spain. It’s a similar feeling watching Olise. He plays with a light touch, almost like music. You can’t catch him, you can’t press him, and you certainly can’t stop him. Players like him exude confidence, making them nearly impossible to defend against. With the rhythm Olise creates in midfield, it’s only a matter of time before Mbappe finishes the move. It’s a joy to watch.”

Bayern Munich, however, have reiterated their stance that they do not intend to sell Olise, who remains under contract until 2029. Despite the potential for record-breaking offers, the German champions appear determined to keep hold of their star winger.

Meanwhile, France — boasting several Ballon d’Or contenders — are set to take on Paraguay in the Round of 16 at the World Cup on Saturday. With Didier Deschamps guiding a squad brimming with attacking talent, Les Bleus are expected to handle their South American opponents comfortably.