Eddie Howe thought he was ‘ideal’ for Newcastle United, now the Club World Cup is becoming his playground

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Newcastle United will be wondering what could have been as Michael Olise continues to shine at the FIFA Club World Cup. 

Olise joined Bayern Munich instead of Newcastle United in the summer of 2024 and won the Bundesliga title in his first season at the club. 

Newcastle wanted to sign Olise, but the appeal of playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs in the Champions League, as well as the huge wages on offer, proved decisive for Bayern. 

Indeed, Eddie Howe thought Olise was the ‘ideal’ signing for Newcastle, having watched him star for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. 

Now, the French international is seriously impressing at the Club World Cup. 

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Michael Olise stats for Bayern Munich at the Club World Cup 2025

The 23-year-old has been in fine form for the Bavarian giants out in the United States. 

He’s joint-top scorer with three goals and has provided two assists in his two games thus far. That means no other player at the tournament boasts as many goal involvements heading into Monday’s fixtures (5).

No one has created more big chances (5) or has completed more successful take-ons (8).  

Granted, one of his appearances came against part-timers Auckland City but Olise was equally as brilliant against Boca Juniors last time out.

Few would bet against him playing a key role once again when Bayern meet Benfica on Tuesday.  

Newcastle United’s alternatives after Michael Olise blow

One year on, and Newcastle are still looking for a right winger to come into their squad. Jacob Murphy, of course, was brilliant last season but asking him to replicate that next time around feels like a major risk. 

Geordie Boot Boys understands that Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga is one of Newcastle’s leading transfer targets this summer. 

The Sweden international produced 11 Premier League assists last season, so would certainly be arriving with some decent pedigree.

Quite whether or not Elanga is on Olise’s level is up for debate but, hopefully, Newcastle finally do add to their right wing options this summer.