Reading FC: Structure of Michael Olise windfall revealed after Crystal Palace exit | OneFootball

Olise could help to save the Royals, who need as much money as they can get after a takeover fell through.

Reading could have former player Michael Olise to thank for keeping them afloat in the coming months.

According to The Guardian, the Royals are set to make around £3.6m in total from their sell-on, which could be crucial to their survival.

This sell-on clause was inserted by officials at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, who knew that he would have a real chance of being sold for a very decent amount by his next club.

Olise's departure from Berkshire caused some controversy, with many supporters upset that Crystal Palace were able to sign him for just £8m.

This was a release clause that was in the Frenchman's contract - and many fans felt the club could have negotiated a better deal.

Others, however, believe the player may not have put pen to paper on a new deal if it wasn't for that low release clause.

At the time he put pen to paper on his deal, he wasn't a regular starter.

However, he was able to take his game to a new level under Veljko Paunovic during the 2020/21 campaign, even though the Serbian was keen to manage his game time.

And with the player shining, it was no surprise when Palace activated his release clause during the summer of 2021 to take him to Selhurst Park.

Many Royals fans were convinced that he would thrive with the Eagles - and this is exactly what he was able to do - adapting very well to the challenges of the Premier League.

Thriving during his three-year spell with the English top-tier club, he was linked with a move away from the club on numerous occasions, with Chelsea among the interested sides, and he finally sealed an exit this summer.

Bayern Munich activated a £60m release clause to bring him to Germany - and this provided a much-needed cash boost for Ruben Selles' Royals.

Michael Olise's release clause news

According to The Guardian, the Berkshire side are set to make around £3.6m in total, with one instalment being paid this year.

Another instalment is set to be paid in January, which could be crucial in helping the Royals to stay afloat during the early stages of 2025, with Rob Couhug's takeover collapsing.

Their annual wage bill is reported to be in the region of £5m, so this total sum could be important for them.

In a statement yesterday, the club claimed that they have the funds to survive until a sale is complete, and the Olise money may have played a big part in that confident claim.

If the Royals were in a stable position under stable ownership, they could have used that Olise money to strengthen their squad.

Several areas of their team need strengthening, including their left-back and centre-back areas.

Their wing and striker departments also need looking at, but the prospect of any signings arriving before a takeover is completed appears to be minimal.

This money could have also been used to offer improved contracts to those who are on a fairly low wage.

It would be difficult to see some of their academy graduates earning much, so improved offers would have been justified.

Instead, this money will probably just be used to keep the club afloat, and that may frustrate Selles who will be keen to strengthen his team.