Reading chief unhappy at ‘way too low’ release clause that allowed Crystal Palace to pounce for Michael Olise
Reading’s head of operations Mark Bowen has admitted Michael Olise’s release clause which allowed him to join Crystal Palace was “way too low”.
The Eagles signed the attacking midfielder, then 19, from the Championship side in the summer of 2021.
Olise signed a five-year contract with Palace and a report recently claimed that the South Londoners have now removed a £35million release clause that had been inserted in that deal.
Reading were powerless to prevent former Chelsea youngster Olise from leaving as he had a release clause of £8m.
At the time the Hammersmith-born player was one of the brightest young talents outside the top flight. Olise had scored seven goals and claimed 12 assists in the previous campaign for Reading.
Former AFC Wimbledon caretaker manager Bowen told Elm Park Royals podcast that the Berkshire outfit do not have a sell-on clause.
He added: “Looking back – and it’s difficult for me to point fingers – but when he did sign his contract, I would suggest the buy-out clause was way too low. But I’m not privy to the conversations that were had with his agent, his family and himself to try and sign that initial contract he had to stay at the club.
“You’d like to think if it was done in a different way, the club would be covered more for such a precocious talent that we had here.”
The French U21 international has scored four goals and got 10 assists in 43 matches for Palace.
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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