Roy Hodgson has admitted he was worried about Chelsea’s interest in Michael Olise, but hailed a “red letter day” for Crystal Palace after the winger signed a new contract.
Chelsea had activated Olise’s £35million release clause and were expected to agree personal terms with him, only for Steve Parish to take to Instagram to reveal the 21-year-old had agreed a new four-year deal to stay at Selhurst Park.
Palace were frustrated with Chelsea’s attempts to sign Olise, believing his release clause was not straightforward and that the Blues had not met the required conditions.
It is a huge boost for the south London club to persuade Olise, who remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, to commit his future, with Hodgson confident the decision is in the best interests of the player’s developement.
“It’s the best possible news we could have,” the Palace boss said.
“I had been concerned. It’s always concerning when a club of Chelsea’s stature take interest in a player, and people will suggest that a move to them might be the best bet.
“I had always hoped that wouldn’t be the case and that Michael would realise that at such a young age his future here is very bright, and we can help him move very quickly on to another level.
“I am delighted for the club, and I must congratulate Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman on the fantastic job they have done in persuading him that, even though there was pressure from outside, ‘this is your place and this is where we think you will progress in the right way and develop in the right way’.”
Palace have already lost Wilfried Zaha this summer, after he left the club at the end of his contract to join Galatasaray on a free transfer.
That meant the Eagles were particularly determined to ensure Olise did not depart too and Hodgson is relieved his forward options have not been further depleted.
“As a coach it is perfect as I really enjoyed the 10 games last year,” Hodgson said. “I thought the squad was looking very, very interesting, so when the Chairman asked me to come back and do another year I had that in mind.
“To lose a player like Wilfried Zaha and then to lose Olise, that would have changed my perception. For me, of course, it is a red letter day.”
