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Liverpool’s hopes of completing a blockbuster move for Michael Olise now appear to have been ended for good.

Reports from Germany suggest Michael Olise is on course to sign a major new contract at Bayern Munich, a deal that would effectively put him beyond Liverpool’s reach in the transfer market.

After progressing through the youth system and making his senior debut for Reading in the Championship, Olise secured a transfer to Crystal Palace. At Selhurst Park, his displays and creative influence in the Premier League attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Since moving to Germany, Olise has elevated his game even further, cementing his status as one of the most dangerous attacking players in world football and reportedly catching the attention of Liverpool’s recruitment team.

However, a switch back to English football now appears increasingly improbable.

As per recent reports, Bayern are ready to reward Olise with a lucrative contract extension, one that would contain a staggering release clause aimed at putting off interested clubs.

Traditionally, the Bavarian side took pride in not inserting release clauses into player contracts, ensuring they remained fully in control over any future exits.

But the changing nature of the modern game has brought about a shift in approach at boardroom level. Similar to the deal recently agreed for Jamal Musiala, buyout clauses are now becoming far more common in Munich.

For Olise, Bayern are reportedly set to include an exit clause worth between €150 million and €250 million (£126m–£211m), according to journalist Christian Falk.

That enormous valuation would be a major obstacle even for a club like Liverpool. Under Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool continue to work within a tightly controlled financial structure.

Although they have shown they can complete marquee signings — as seen with the recent arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola, all for in excees of £100m — smashing their transfer record again for Olise does not fit their financial position.

Liverpool’s financial picture after those recent additions means they now have to use what remains of their budget wisely, looking for value in the market rather than activating world-record release clauses.

For many supporters, the former Crystal Palace player would have represented a dream signing, but with Barcola already through the door, the need for a player of Olise’s quality has reduced somewhat.

On top of that, the figures needed to prise him away from Germany are no longer realistic, especially with the Frenchman now expected to commit the peak years of his career to Bayern as well.