boss said it would be a ‘sad day for the club’ if Michael Olise departed as speculation surrounding his future continues to mount.
Olise has become one of Palace’s key assets over the last few years since his move from Reading into 2021.
The 22-year-old’s season has been hampered with various niggles and injuries but he has still notched five goals in nine appearances.
activated the winger’s £35million release clause in the but Olise opted to remain in south east London, penning a new four-year deal at Selhurst Park.
However, and, while Olise is not expected to leave in the January transfer window, the Frenchman is likely to depart at the end of the season.
When asked about Olise’s potential departure, Palace boss Hodgson said: ‘My thoughts are [it] would be a sad day for the club.
‘I am certain the club would like him to honour [his long-term deal] and to improve the team around players like him.
‘We need to make the team stronger and not lose them to other Premier League clubs who are putting some money on the table.
‘But at the moment that isn’t our concern, it’s these [upcoming] games. I’m certainly counting on him to play his part in that and the summer will have to take care of itself.’
Olise has missed Palace’s last three games after sustaining a hamstring injury before the Year but Hodgson confirmed he is available once again for selection.
‘He’s available – he has trained now,’ the 76-year-old confirmed of the French youngster.
‘Obviously, we have to be careful and the sports science people are urging caution, so we’ll see.
‘He himself feels he’s fine, so I don’t have any concerns myself, but we will have to keep an eye on it because it is quite a long time since he played his last game.’
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