Ismael Saibari joins Bayern Munich with Champions League glory in sight

18:40

By: Azzat Manal

Ismael Saibari joins Bayern Munich with Champions League glory in sight

Moroccan international Ismael Saibari has begun a new chapter of his career at Bayern Munich, joining the German giants as they target another Champions League triumph after an impressive campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been brought in to strengthen Bayern’s attacking options as the club begins its European campaign at home against Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt. The German champions are aiming to add a seventh Champions League trophy to their collection, with their most recent success coming in 2020.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany believes his team belongs among the leading European contenders. Speaking ahead of the opening match, the Belgian manager said Bayern should begin every season with the ambition of winning the Champions League, although he acknowledged the long and demanding road ahead.

Under Kompany, Bayern have steadily progressed in Europe, reaching the quarterfinals in 2025 and the semifinals the following season. After securing the domestic league and cup double in 2026, the Champions League has become the club’s main remaining target.

England striker Harry Kane has also emphasized Bayern’s ambition, saying the squad believes the current season could be the one in which it finally delivers another European title.

The expectations surrounding the Bavarian club are understandable given its attacking output last season. Bayern scored 184 goals across 55 matches, including 43 in 14 Champions League games. Saibari has been recruited to add another dimension to an attacking unit featuring Kane, French winger Michael Olise and Colombian forward Luis Díaz.

Saibari arrives after attracting considerable attention during Morocco’s 2026 World Cup campaign. He scored three goals in the tournament, including one against Brazil, before suffering a right hamstring injury during Morocco’s round-of-16 match against Canada.

The injury has delayed his full integration into Bayern’s squad, but the Moroccan has gradually increased his playing time. He came off the bench for around 30 minutes against Stuttgart in Bayern’s Bundesliga opener and provided two assists. He subsequently made his first two starts, playing an hour against Osnabrück in the German Cup and then featuring as a central striker against Schalke.

Saibari has expressed enthusiasm about Bayern’s playing style, saying it suits his qualities. His relationship with Kompany has also played a role in his move to Munich, with the Belgian coach already familiar with the player from his time working in Belgian football.

Born in Belgium, Saibari developed through the youth systems of Anderlecht, Genk and Mechelen before joining PSV Eindhoven in 2020. He progressed through the Dutch club’s youth ranks and made his senior-team breakthrough in 2022.

Bayern had been monitoring him for some time. Sporting director Max Eberl revealed that Kompany spoke with Saibari after Bayern’s Champions League meeting with PSV earlier in 2026, reinforcing the club’s interest in bringing him to Munich.

Reports have valued the transfer at around €50 million, underlining Bayern’s belief in the Moroccan midfielder’s potential. Saibari has also chosen a number with a deeply personal meaning: the No. 34 shirt.

The number was previously associated with Abdelhak Nouri, the Ajax player who suffered severe brain damage after suffering cardiac arrest during a friendly match in 2017. Saibari wore the same number at PSV and decided to keep it at Bayern as a tribute to Nouri.

Saibari explained that he asked Nouri to choose the number through a communication gesture, and Nouri selected 34. The Moroccan has now carried that number into one of the biggest clubs in European football as he seeks to establish himself on the Champions League stage.