Crystal Palace complete £8m signing of Reading star Michael Olise

Crystal Palace have completed the £8million signing of exciting Reading midfielder Michael Olise, with the EFL Young Player of the Season becoming the first arrival of the new Patrick Vieira era.

The 19-year old is regarded as one of the best talents in the Championship, has been capped twice by France at U18 level, and will now get his chance to impress in the Premier League with Palace.

A number of Premier League sides expressed an interest but Palace advanced quickly to make him the first signing of Vieira’s era, just four days into his reign, and Olise has signed a five-year contract.

Speaking about the move, Olise said: ‘It’s a big moment – Premier League football. It’s a great club and I’m very excited to be here. Good players, a good manager, so I’m ready to start.’

The EFL star is left footed and is predominately played behind the striker, but is equally adept when deployed on the right wing cutting inside onto his stronger foot. 

The young midfielder was one of Reading’s standout performers last season, scoring seven goals and notching 12 assists in 46 league games, and he will wear the No 7 for Palace.

Despite representing France at youth level Olise also qualifies for England as he was born in London. 

Crystal Palace are in talks with Reading over 19-year-old midfielder Michael Olise (right)

Discussing the signing of Olise, new boss Vieira said: ‘We have the tools in our football club to make him a better player, and we’ve known him quite well because he’s a player the football club have been following for a long time. 

‘I think it is important to refresh the squad, to bring some new faces, to bring young talent here, and this is a really good signing for us.’  

Chairman Steve Parish, meanwhile, added: ‘I’m delighted that Michael has joined us at Crystal Palace. We have been monitoring him extremely closely for an extended period of time, and have been impressed by his consistent performances for Reading at such a young age.

‘He clearly has an abundance of talent that I’m sure will excite all of our supporters, and clearly shows our direction of travel for this window.’