CHELSEA failed to activate Michael Olise’s release clause after contacting the wrong person during negotiations, according to reports.
The Blues thought they were closing in on a deal for the French winger, 21, when they tried to activate his £35million release clause.
However, Chelsea were not aware of certain conditions surrounding the clause – details which ultimately proved costly.
According to The Athletic, it stipulated that Olise had to inform Palace owner Steve Parish of the Blues’ interest and his desire to activate the clause.
Palace would then tell Olise the required amount and he would relay that information to Chelsea.
This would then allow talks between the two clubs to take place.
Instead, Chelsea went straight to Palace, bypassing Olise.
As a result, the Eagles did not reply when approached as they recognised the process had not been followed correctly.
Olise then re-considered his options, holding talks with manager Roy Hodgson and Palace chiefs.
And he informed the club on Wednesday evening of his decision to sign a new contract until 2027.
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Olise then put pen to paper on Thursday.
Speaking after the saga had been resolved, Hodgson said: “I suggested, of course, that being at Crystal Palace and playing here would be the best option, but I also made it clear to him I wouldn’t put him under unnecessary pressure.
“He was under pressure from all sides. I can only tell you that from my side, it was, ‘I’m always here if you want to speak to me to discuss it further’.”
Olise, who was absent for Palace’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United on the opening weekend of the season, has contributed six goals and 19 assists in 71 games for the club.
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