Official: Michael Olise joins Ebere Eze in the Eagles team

The youngster impressed in the Skybet Championship for the Royals last season, and that has earned him a move to the top-flight 

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of highly-rated French-Nigerian midfielder Michael Olise from Reading.

Olise, who is still eligible to play for Nigeria, has signed a five-year deal with the Eagles, who confirmed it in a statement on their website. 

The statement read: Olise, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder, has signed a five-year contract with the club as Palace’s first arrival since Patrick Vieira’s appointment as manage.

Olise attracted interest from many clubs in the Premier League after a fantastic season in the Skybet Championship.

The 19-year-old scored seven times and registered 12 assists in 44 league games for Reading last season. His performances did not go unnoticed as he was named the Championship young player of the season while he also featured in the team of the season. 

Born in England, Olise has played for the French u-18 team, but he is also eligible to play for Algeria and Nigeria through his parents.

He was on the standby list in Nigeria’s Squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations against Benin and Lesotho in March.

Olise’s move to Selhurst Park will see him link up with another Nigerian national team target Eberechi Eze under Patrick Viera, who is the new Crystal Palace coach.