Arsenal legend Patrick Vieria has made his first signing as manager of Crystal Palace by giving the go ahead for the club to trigger the £8m release clause in the contract of Reading midfielder Michael Olise.
Olise has just one year left on his deal at the club leaving Reading with little or no option than to cash in on him or risk losing him for free next summer. Palace who have long been interested in the 18 year old moved swiftly to land him.
The left footed midfielder who can also play on the wings enjoyed a stellar season for Reading in the English Championship last time out making 46 appearances in all competitions and scoring seven goals.
He was nominated for the English Football League Young Player of the season award for his performance as his side finished just outside the play-offs. He had 12 assists as well.
Although he has represented France at I18 level he is still eligible to represent Nigeria and he was called up to the senior squad for their last round of the qualifiers for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations but placed on standby.
Coach of the Nigerian team Gernot Rohr said the decision to place him on standby was due to difficulties in traveling in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic but since then he hasn’t been called up.
Aside Nigeria and France, he is also eligible for England as he was born in London and Algeria where his mother hails from. Algeria have according to reports made available to OwnGoalNigeria.com sounded him out.
