In a significant move during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, Ismael Saibari, the talented Moroccan midfielder, has officially signed with Bayern Munich. The German champions reached an agreement with PSV Eindhoven for a transfer fee of €55 million. Saibari, who made headlines by scoring the equalizing goal against Brazil in his World Cup debut, has demonstrated his exceptional skill on the field, solidifying his status as a promising player for both club and country.
Born in Terrassa, Catalunya, Saibari has shown remarkable prowess throughout his career, particularly in the Eredivisie, where he concluded the season with an impressive tally of 19 goals and 9 assists while playing for PSV Eindhoven. His upward trajectory continued as he took to the field as a starting forward in the World Cup, contributing significantly to Morocco’s campaign by helping secure a crucial point against Brazil, a team managed by Carlo Ancelotti.
Despite representing Morocco at the international level, Saibari's early years were spent in Catalunya until his family relocated to Belgium due to the 2008 financial crisis. It was in Belgium that he honed his football skills, playing for various local clubs before joining the youth ranks of KRC Genk. In 2020, he transitioned to PSV Eindhoven’s youth system and made his first-team debut just two years later, showcasing his rapid development and adaptability.
Over the course of three seasons with PSV, Saibari has consistently improved his performance, leading to his current opportunity in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. The club's decision to pursue Saibari came after a failed bid for Anthony Gordon, highlighting their need for a versatile offensive midfielder. Saibari's ability to play both as a central striker and on the wing adds depth and flexibility to Vincent Kompany's squad.
Ismael Saibari is part of a notable legacy from Terrassa, following in the footsteps of esteemed players like Xavi Hernández, often regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in Spanish football history. This World Cup also features two other players from Terrassa, Dani Olmo and Marc Pubill, making a total of three representatives from the city participating on the grand stage.
As reported by elperiodico.com.
