Full Breakdown
Bayern Munich Secures World Cup Star Ismael Saibari
7/2/2026, 12:54:53 PM
Transfer Overview
Bayern Munich confirmed on 1 July 2026 the signing of Morocco forward Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven. The 25-year-old agreed to a five-year deal until 30 June 2031 and will wear the No. 34 shirt, a tribute to his friend Abdelhak Nouri. The move was announced while Saibari remains on World Cup duty.
Saibari’s World Cup Performance
Saibari scored in each of Morocco’s three group-stage games – against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti – and converted the winning penalty in the round-of-32 shoot-out that knocked the Netherlands out. His three goals in four matches made him the first African player to score in all of his World Cup group fixtures.
PSV Record and Player Profile
Saibari arrived at PSV from Genk in 2020. He recorded 42 goals and 29 assists in 142 appearances, contributing to three consecutive Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Cups and three Super Cups. In the 2025-26 season he added 15 league goals and eight assists, earning the Eredivisie Player of the Season award. The Spain-born attacking midfielder is praised for his ability to play as a false nine, a number 10 or on either wing.
Conflicting Transfer Fee Reports
Media outlets differ on the fee. Bild cited a €50 million base fee with €5 million in add-ons; other reports listed €50-52 million, €55 million, and a Qatar Tribune estimate of $62 million (? €55 million). Bayern has not disclosed an official amount, leaving the reported range between €50 million and €62 million.
Official Club Comments
Max Eberl, Bayern’s board member for sport, said the club had tracked Saibari’s development and offered a role early, stressing the signing reflects long-term planning. Sporting director Christoph Freund noted Saibari’s three Dutch titles, Champions League experience and “versatile, intense and bold” style, adding goal-scoring mentality will strengthen the attack.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As a child, you dream of signing a contract with a club like FC Bayern – everybody knows it’s one of the world’s biggest clubs.” — Ismael Saibari, Morocco forward
- “Coach Vincent Kompany played a key role in my decision – I’m looking forward to working with him.” — Ismael Saibari
- “We’re delighted to have secured the services of Ismael Saibari, one of the most exciting forwards at the World Cup.” — Max Eberl, Bayern board member for sport
- “Ismael Saibari has won three consecutive Dutch titles in Eindhoven, has Champions League experience, and is now demonstrating at the World Cup - at the highest level - just how valuable he can be to a team,” — Christoph Freund, Bayern sporting director
Squad Impact and Upcoming Fixtures
Saibari joins a forward line that includes Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry, and is expected to compete for the No. 10 role. Bayern entered 2026-27 as Bundesliga champions, having completed a league-and-cup double and set a goals-scored record.
What’s Next
Saibari will finish his World Cup duties before joining Bayern’s pre-season. The club’s first competitive match is the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against Borussia Dortmund on 22 August, followed by the Bundesliga opener a week later, where his integration will be closely monitored.
