MUNICH. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have formalised an informal non aggression agreement governing their approach to player transfers, with the European giants committing to direct communication and an end to media driven bidding wars .
The arrangement, dubbed a “presidential pact” by German media, came to light after Real Madrid were forced to issue a public statement denying interest in Bayern winger Michael Olise. The French international had been linked with a move to the Spanish capital, prompting a firm response from Bayern president Herbert Hainer that threatened to escalate tensions between the two clubs .
According to Sport Bild’s Julian Agardi and Christian Falk, the relationship between Hainer and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez had grown significantly closer during and around their Champions League quarter final encounters. The two presidents had already expressed their mutual appreciation before the first leg at Madrid’s renowned restaurant Zalacaín, and were determined to prevent the Olise speculation from damaging their cordial ties .
The pact establishes a clear principle: neither club will attempt to sign a player from the other without first informing the respective club of its interest. Both parties have also agreed to refrain from fuelling bidding wars through media driven transfer rumours, a practice that has historically complicated negotiations between Europe’s elite .
At Bayern, reports at the beginning of June that Pérez was planning to bid for Olise caused irritation within the club’s hierarchy. The Bavarian response, delivered publicly by Hainer, was intended to signal that Olise under contract until 2029 without a release clause, was not for sale. Bayern, in effect, hold all the cards regarding the Frenchman’s future .
The strength of the relationship is underscored by a forthcoming engagement at the Bernabéu, where Hainer is scheduled to address approximately 1,200 students at Real Madrid’s invitation on June 30. The gesture reflects a mutual respect that has developed between the two institutions despite their fierce rivalry on the pitch .
Olise, who joined Bayern from Crystal Palace in 2024, scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in 47 appearances across all competitions last season. The 24 year old has been a key figure in Vincent Kompany’s side, and the Frenchman has openly acknowledged that Madrid’s interest would be difficult to ignore given the stature of the club .
The pact does not, however, represent an absolute barrier to future transfers between the clubs. Both sides retain the freedom to pursue players, provided they adhere to the agreed protocols. Behind the scenes, the two clubs have achieved clarity on the Olise matter, with the winger now expected to remain at the Allianz Arena for the foreseeable future .
The agreement is likely to influence how transfer stories involving players from either club are reported in future, with both Bayern and Real Madrid committed to maintaining a working relationship that has, for the moment, defused a potentially damaging stand off .
