Bayern Munich reach agreement in principle with PSV for Morocco international Ismael Saibari

Bayern Munich have reached an agreement in principle to sign Ismael Saibari from PSV.

Saibari, 25, is at the World Cup with Morocco and scored in his country’s 1-1 draw with Brazil. An attacking midfielder or forward, he has just won his third straight Eredivisie title with PSV, whom he joined from Genk in 2020, scoring 15 goals in 27 games.

The deal is pending a medical, which is yet to take place. As and when the transfer is completed, Saibari will become Bayern’s second incoming transfer of the summer, following the arrival of Noel Aseko, who has returned to the club following 18 months with Hannover.

Since the end of the season, Leon Goretzka and Raphael Guerreiro have both been released following the expiration of their respect contracts, as Vincent Kompany continues an overhaul of the squad that won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) last season.

Bayern also hope to conclude a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt for Germany full back Nathaniel Brown.

What would Saibari bring to Bayern?

Analysis from tactics writers Liam Tharme and Thom Harris

Saibari is an all-action midfielder who is best at No 10 but can play deeper, and moonlight off either wing if needed too — and his ball-striking is incredible off both feet.

He has been a crucial player in PSV’s last two title wins, racking up 56 combined goals and assists in 61 league starts.

His technical brilliance and a capacity for outstanding moments saw him become more of a regular for Morocco under former head coach Walid Regragui, who memorably took the country to the World Cup semi-finals four years ago.

He scored Morocco’s first goal at this summer’s tournament with an excellent finish against Brazil, and he is usually more of a creative, busy midfielder than the bustling centre-forward we saw during his side’s group stage draw on Saturday.