Transfer Rumours: 'Massive' Liverpool bid promised as Michael Olise offensive launched

18 Jun 2026 06:02 BST |
6 min read

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 18 June, including the latest updates on Michael Olise, Francisco Trincao and Enzo Fernandez.

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Perez launches Operation Olise

Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise remains Florentino Perez’s dream Galactico target for Real Madrid, according to AS journalist Jose Felix Diaz.

Perez made a €150 million bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez after being re-elected as president, but he did not expect to be successful. It was simply to fulfil his election promise.

His real target remains Olise, whom Bayern insist is not for sale at any price. Nevertheless, Perez is said to be preparing a monumental post-World Cup push for the France international. The Blancos supremo is willing to go higher than the €160m he offered for Kylian Mbappe in 2021.

Liverpool to bid for Trincao?

Superagent Jorge Mendes has assured Sporting CP and Francisco Trincao that a “massive” bid will arrive for the attacker this summer, as per Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness).

This bid is set to come close to Trincao’s €60 million release clause, but no offer has as yet arrived. It is also not clear which club this supposed bid will come from.

An educated guess is Liverpool, who have been strongly linked with Trincao as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah in recent weeks. Their interest seems to be genuine, but the report insists that the Reds have not made a bid – yet.

Fernandez could get his dream move

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has become Real Madrid’s top midfield target, MARCA claims.

The Argentina international has made no secret of the fact that he wants to play for Los Blancos, and he is patiently waiting for the Spanish giants to make a bid. Fernandez has informed Chelsea that he wants to leave the club.

Despite his desire for the move, it had been unclear whether he really is what Real Madrid are looking for in a midfielder this summer. However, new manager Jose Mourinho has now decided that he wants to sign Fernandez.

Tottenham open El Mala talks

Tottenham have opened talks with Koln over the signing of Said El Mala, TEAMtalk writes.

The 19-year-old has already seen transfers to Brighton and Brentford collapse, with the former unwilling to meet Koln’s €50m valuation, while El Mala was unconvinced about joining the latter.

It is now Spurs’ turn to attempt to agree a deal that suits all parties, and it is reported that they are willing to sign Said and his older brother Malek, as requested by the El Mala family.

Casado bargain

Barcelona value Marc Casado at just €20m this summer, MARCA understands.

The 22-year-old is expected to leave the Catalans after failing to nail down a regular starting spot last season, and Barcelona are keen to cash in on him to fund their incoming business.

The Blaugrana would ideally like to sell before the 30 June deadline of the current financial year, but there has been no progress on that front so far despite Man Utd “showing the strongest interest” in Casado, while Atletico Madrid and others are also believed to be keen.

More transfer rumours

Man City are keen to sign both Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson and Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer. (The Athletic)

Chelsea have enquired about Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso. (Di Marzio)

Club Brugge are pushing to sign Augsburg’s Mert Komur, paving the way for Christos Tzolis to join Arsenal. (Sky Germany)

New AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim dreams of signing PSG striker Goncalo Ramos. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are showing a strong interest in Celtic midfielder Arne Engels. (Sacha Tavolieri)

Arsenal have held positive talks with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouddi, but they have not yet agreed terms. (CaughtOffside)

River Plate want to terminate Kendry Paez’s loan from Chelsea. (TyC Sports)

Liverpool are “intensifying” their pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. (TEAMtalk)

Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu was hoping to join a big Premier League club this summer, but he may have to settle for Hull City. (BILD)

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