Bayern Munich agree fee up to 55 million euros for PSV's Ismael Saibari, medical set for United States
The Morocco international, currently at the World Cup, will sign a contract until 2031 after a medical in the United States.
The transfer agreement
Bayern Munich and PSV Eindhoven have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of midfielder Ismael Saibari, multiple sources report on Monday. The 25-year-old Morocco international, who scored in Saturday's 1-1 World Cup draw with Brazil, is set to join the Bundesliga champions pending a medical examination. The deal makes Saibari the club's second incoming transfer of the summer window.
I don't interfere in others' careers. I don't know if the reports are true. I hope for him, because he really deserves it.
El Khannouss, a VfB Stuttgart professional and close friend of Saibari, spoke in the mixed zone after the Brazil match.
Fee and contract details
Sky Sport reports a total package between 50 and 55 million euros, while Bild and Focus cite a figure of 55 million euros including bonuses. This is higher than earlier reports that suggested Bayern were ready to pay around 45 million euros plus 5 million in add-ons. According to Focus, PSV initially demanded up to 60 million euros while Bayern aimed to stay below 50 million, making the agreed sum a compromise.
- PSV initial demand
- 60 million €
- Bayern target ceiling
- 50 million €
- Agreed fee
- 55 million €
The player will sign a contract through the summer of 2031. Coach Vincent Kompany identified Saibari as a priority target earlier in the window.
The player's profile
Saibari is an attacking midfielder who can also operate as a No 10, deeper in central midfield, or on either wing. He has just completed his third straight Eredivisie title with PSV, contributing 15 goals in 27 league appearances last season, and over the last two domestic campaigns has recorded 56 combined goals and assists in 61 starts.
His technical quality and two-footed ball-striking have drawn attention at this World Cup, where he scored Morocco's opener against Brazil.
Medical check logistics
The medical is expected to take place in the United States, where Saibari is competing with Morocco. Focus reports that the examination could occur after Morocco's second group match, as both clubs and the Moroccan federation prefer not to disrupt match preparations on Saturday. This arrangement is practical for Bayern, as team doctor Jochen Hahne is also in the US attending to the German national team.
Bayern's squad overhaul
The deal accelerates the squad reshaping Vincent Kompany is overseeing after a domestic double. Leon Goretzka and Raphael Guerreiro left the club at the end of their contracts earlier this summer, while Noel Aseko has returned from an 18-month loan at Hannover. Bayern are also pursuing Eintracht Frankfurt full-back Nathaniel Brown.
