Liverpool appear to have their answer in the Michael Olise situation, with the Bayern Munich forward increasingly unlikely to emerge as a realistic option for Anfield.

According to Sky Germany , the expectation is that Olise will either renew with Bayern Munich or pursue a move to Real Madrid, with a decisive stage in that process anticipated next year. From a Liverpool perspective, that points firmly away from any genuine opening.

Olise remains under contract at Bayern until 2029, so there is no immediate pressure on the German club. Even so, the medium-term picture has naturally drawn attention across Europe. Liverpool have been credited with interest, while Real Madrid are also positioned as a possible destination if the player decides against a new deal in Munich.

The key detail here is not simply that elite clubs admire him. It is that Bayern believe there are two credible outcomes, and neither currently places Liverpool at the front of the queue. As reported, “If Real Madrid go all out, he’ll try and head to Spain but it’s otherwise going to be a big long-term contract with Bayern.”

That leaves Bayern in a place of considerable strength. They can continue discussions over an extension, secure in the knowledge that Olise is already settled at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. If the renewal route progresses, the matter could be closed quickly. If it does not, Real Madrid seem to be the side best placed to test the situation.

For Liverpool, this feels less like a transfer battle lost late and more like a market reality becoming clearer. Olise has long appealed because of his quality in the final third, his ability to create from the right, and the sense that he belongs at the very highest level. Yet admiration and attainability are very different things.

Andoni Iraola and Liverpool’s recruitment team may now need to focus elsewhere. With Olise seemingly narrowing his future to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, any route to Merseyside looks increasingly remote. Cost would also have been a major factor, with any eventual fee likely to move into elite territory and potentially beyond £100m if Bayern were ever willing sellers.

In practical terms, Liverpool’s task is now to identify the next premium attacking option before the market tightens further. Olise may still have a major decision to make, but all indications suggest it will not involve Liverpool.