'Buy-out clause was way too low' - Reading chief admits Olise was sold on the cheap 

Reading's Head Of Football Operations, Mark Bowen believes Michael Olise's transfer fee to Crystal Palace should have been higher.

Crystal Palace snapped up the France U21 international of Nigerian descent after activating the £8million buy-out clause in the winger's contract. 

The 20-year-old was instrumental for Reading in his final season at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, winning the EFL Young Player of the Season award and was also named in the Championship Team of the Season for 2020-2021.

"We don't [have a sell-on clause]," he told the Elm Park Royals podcast, via Berkshire Live.

"We had a buy-out clause in his contract and he's gone there (Crystal Palace) now. 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."

In 73 all-competition appearances for the Royals, Olise directly participated in 21 goals (7 goals, 14 assists). 

Prior to joining the Eagles in the Premier League, the Anglo-Franco-Nigerian youngster had a market value of €15 million (as of June 30 2021) and he has now gotten an additional seven million euros to his market value.

According to The Athletic (subscription required),  Palace are looking forward to increase the release clause of the 2021 Super Eagles invitee from £15 million to £50 million by offering him a new contract.

In the ongoing season he has two assists from eleven Premier League games.

Toyosi Afolayan

Photo Credit : cpfc.co.uk

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com