Actually we didn't. After Roy's return, Wilf really started to suffer. In Galatasaray's opinion, he was abused by us.

Ooh, that doesn’t sound good in this day and age, but could explain why he didn’t like sitting on the bench.

apart from the clickbait nonsense why has the release clause not been mentioned before?

Sometimes I set out for Ludlow
Sometimes I end up in Chepstow

Perhaps it's more logical deduction than guesswork?

Personally, I'd be amazed if Olise would have signed the new contract without a (higher) release clause. Why would he?

He has shown maturity regarding his own career path, especially for one so young, enough to always be holding most of the cards.

He was well known to be one of the best prospects in the championship, and certainly within financial reach of just about every premier league team.

We surely got him because (firstly) he saw us as the appropriate standard (not so good that he wouldn't get a game, not so bad that he wouldn't get the ball) and, secondly, because we were willing to agree to the original buy-out clause when signing him. Clever boy.

I would further imagine that he chose to re-sign with Palace last summer because he (correctly) saw Chelsea as a young forwards graveyard. At £35m a Chelsea manager could very happily leave him on the bench or in the stands forever, and not come under any pressure at all.

Plus, as good as he is, Olise isn't going to be the main man at a top club just yet. He will be if he keeps on developing at the same rate, and if he gets bought for far more money than £35m. For both to happen he has to play, and be available at a price (unlike Zaha was at his peak).

The end result is surely a new contract with a higher buy-out clause. - suits both parties. Smooth talker though Parish is, Olise would surely have seen how Zaha put himself in golden handcuffs and regretted it ever after - why would a boy with such good judgment make the same mistake?

The question is simply what price the release clause is set at and whether, when it is met, Olise is convinced that the move is right for him.

Beyond that, there is no doubt whatsoever that he will play at the top. As many exciting and promising players as we have had over the years, it isn't very often that I have felt so certain about a players prospects.

It is not only increasingly obvious that Olise is absolutely f***ing brilliant, it is the nature of his gifts that stands out.

He is not just in great form, or increasingly effective, or perfect for any system you like - it is his all-round quality that stands out. He has more of it than just about anyone I've seen in a Palace shirt.

If he keeps going as he is, he could certainly play a big part for one of the very top clubs, either on the wing or tucked inside. Unlike so many hit-and-miss match-winning forwards, Olise has the very highest level of technical quality. Touch, balance, awareness, weight of pass... it's all there.

Whereas it was never clear if Zaha's individualistic style would be a good fit at a top club, Olise would just get better and better if he played with better players, because he has such great quality.

We know it, Palace know it. He knows it.

Enjoy him whilst he is here.

Edited by TheBigToePunt (04 Jan 2024 6.24pm)

Take the 60m, before he becomes another Ferguson, and re invest in Jack Clarke, and Morgan Whittaker

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

Olise and Eze were speculative, i am certain both would be good buys, however good Olise is, if he keeps getting injured he is no use

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn