Thierry Henry gives 'special' verdict on Liverpool transfer target who could replace Mo Salah

Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise dazzled in the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry full of admiration for the Liverpool transfer target.

Thierry Henry has discussed Liverpool transfer target Michael Olise(Image: (Photo by Daniel Derajinski/Icon Sport via Getty Images))

Thierry Henry heaped praise on Michael Olise following the Bayern Munich winger's scintillating display in the German side's commanding 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, amid links with a possible transfer to Liverpool.

The 24-year-old has impressed since his £50million switch from Crystal Palace to the Bavarian club in summer 2024, and he caused havoc for Los Blancos on Tuesday night at the Bernabeu, setting up Harry Kane for the crucial winning goal. Jamie Carragher hailed Olise's showing as "one of the very best" he has witnessed from any player this campaign, while Henry explained precisely what makes the France international so formidable.

"Michael is a special player. He sees and thinks about the game differently, the way he sees life," the Frenchman remarked on CBS Sports.

He added: "When he gets the ball, he sees things that few others can. He perceives the game differently; he sees it more with his brain than his eyes.

"He tries to imagine what might happen as soon as the ball leaves the goalkeeper. You have to anticipate what's coming next.

"We all know he can dribble. He has his own way of looking at the game and life. That's why sometimes, off the pitch, people don't understand him.

"But he's a pleasant guy, a great guy. He doesn't say much off the field, but when he has the ball, he speaks very well through his play."

Olise's development abroad has caught the attention of Premier League clubs, with reports suggesting Liverpool may target him in the summer as the long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Michael Olise has been linked with a move to Liverpool as a possible Mohamed Salah replacement(Image: (Photo by Pressinphoto/Icon Sport via Getty Images))

The i Paper reported last month that Olise is a player the Reds are particularly interested in as they consider the possibility of signing two players, one established star and one emerging talent, in an attempt to fill the gap Salah will leave behind at the conclusion of his final Anfield season.

However, the report went on to note that there are 'doubts' Olise would entertain leaving Bayern, who are thriving under Vincent Kompany at present.

Steven Gerrard admitted earlier this week that the forward would be his choice to replace Salah - but the Liverpool legend acknowledged he may prove to be out of reach.

"The concern if you're trying to Salah, like-for-like, there's very few out there," Gerrard said on talkSPORT. "Olise would be one but I don't think he'd be available.

"From experience, being around Liverpool, the recruitment team will have different options, that doesn't necessarily mean like-for-like.

"When we had to replace Mane for example, we went for signed Diaz who was slightly different, when Suarez or Torres has left, they've had different type of options to replace the players.

"Liverpool have a fantastic record of replacing top players so I've got every confidence from a recruitment point of view that they'll have different options.

They'll have to replace his goal involvements which is extremely difficult because he's been incredible for Liverpool for many years."