Transfer: Ismael Saibari Moroccan international joins Bayern Munich in €55m move after World Cup breakthrough

Ismael Saibari has completed a €55 million transfer from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich following his standout performances at the 2026 World Cup, marking a significant rise for the Moroccan international whose career has been shaped by resilience and rapid progression.

The 23-year-old forward, born on 28 January 2001 in Terrassa, Catalonia, has moved to the German champions after attracting widespread attention on the international stage, where his form helped elevate his profile and accelerate interest from Europe’s elite clubs.

Early life marked by medical challenge

Saibari’s journey to the top level of football began under unusual circumstances.

Born with a congenital foot deformity, he was initially told by doctors that he may require assistance to walk throughout his life.

However, following a long and careful treatment process, he was able to take his first independent steps at the age of two.

That early medical struggle has often been referenced as part of his wider story of perseverance.

Raised between Spain and Belgium, Saibari later moved with his family to the suburbs of Antwerp, where his football development began to take shape.

H3: Youth development across Belgium before PSV breakthrough

Saibari’s early career included spells at KVC Willebroek and Beerschot AC before a move to Anderlecht.

After being released following two years at the club, he rebuilt his development pathway at KRC Genk, where he earned his first professional contract between 2017 and 2020.

His next step came in 2020 when he joined PSV Eindhoven, making his Eredivisie debut on 1 November of that year.

At PSV, Saibari gradually established himself as a key attacking presence.

He went on to win the Dutch Super Cup in 2022, the Dutch Cup in 2023, and three consecutive league titles between 2024 and 2026. In total, he scored 42 goals in 142 appearances for the Dutch side.

International rise and World Cup impact

Internationally, Saibari was eligible to represent Morocco, Spain, or Belgium. Although Belgium showed interest, he ultimately committed to Morocco.

After being called up in September 2022 for a friendly against Madagascar, injury ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, he returned strongly to the international stage and featured prominently at the 2026 World Cup.

Deployed as a false nine, he scored in each of Morocco’s first three matches of the tournament, performances that significantly boosted his reputation on the global stage.

It was in the aftermath of that breakthrough campaign that his move to Bayern Munich was confirmed at the start of July.

Bayern Munich secure long-term attacking option

Bayern Munich’s €55 million investment reflects both Saibari’s domestic consistency at PSV and his international impact with Morocco.

The German club view him as a forward capable of adapting to multiple attacking roles, following his performances as a false nine during the World Cup.