‘Saibari will be important for us,’ says Kompany as Bayern prepare for Dortmund

Vincent Kompany has backed new signing Ismael Saibari to play a significant part in Bayern Munich’s season, despite the Morocco international having been affected by a recent issue.

Bayern Munich begin their 2026-27 campaign against Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 20:30 French time and 19:30 in Morocco. The reigning champions will be aiming to retain their crown and make a positive start to the new season.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference, Bayern manager Kompany was particularly enthusiastic when discussing Saibari, who joined the club from PSV Eindhoven during the 2026 World Cup.

The 40-year-old coach indicated that the 25-year-old should still feature in the match, potentially making his first official appearance in Bayern’s red and white shirt.

“Saibari will play an important role for us,” Kompany said, underlining the confidence the club has placed in its new arrival.

Saibari’s first training session with Bayern had already made a strong impression. The midfielder stood out for his pace and caught the eye during the shooting exercises, offering an early indication of the qualities he could bring to Kompany’s side.

The Morocco international has joined Bayern on a five-year contract after completing a move from PSV Eindhoven. The transfer was concluded during the 2026 World Cup and involved a fee of €50m.

Saibari’s performances in the group stage of the tournament helped strengthen his reputation. He scored in every match he played during that phase, form which convinced the Bayern board that he was the right player to add to the squad.

Although he has not been at full strength in recent days, Kompany’s comments suggest the club is prepared to involve him from the beginning rather than wait for a later stage of the campaign.

Saturday’s meeting with Borussia Dortmund will therefore provide the first opportunity for Saibari to appear in a competitive match for Bayern. It will also give Kompany an early chance to assess how quickly his latest signing can adapt to his new team and surroundings.

The match is Bayern Munich’s first fixture of the 2026-27 season and carries the added significance of being a meeting between two of Germany’s leading clubs. Bayern will seek to begin the defence of their title with another trophy, while Saibari could take his first steps in official competition for the Rekordmeister.

With 35 international caps and 12 goals for Morocco, Saibari arrives in Munich with considerable experience despite his age. His pace, finishing ability and displays during the World Cup have already created high expectations, while Kompany’s public praise has further highlighted the role Bayern believe he can play.