Bayern Munich summer signing Ismael Saibari has spoken about his preferred position, versatility and first impressions of life in Bavaria following his €50m move from PSV Eindhoven. The 25-year-old was officially presented by Bayern on Friday after signing a contract through 2031. Saibari arrives following an outstanding campaign in the Netherlands, registering 19 goals and nine assists across 39 competitive appearances for PSV.
Saibari spoke on a variety of topics, including the congenital foot deformity that he overcame on his way to becoming a professional footballer and his hopes to add German to his already impressive repertoire of languages within the next six months. Saibari answered questions in English and also already speaks French, Arabic, Dutch, and Spanish.
Ismael Saibari: “My favourite position is the ten”
The Moroccan’s arrival provides Vincent Kompany with another versatile attacking option. Saibari can operate centrally, on the left or even further forward, but made no secret of where he feels most comfortable. Competition in the Bayern attack promises to be intense. Jamal Musiala, Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry can all feature centrally, while Luis Díaz and Michael Olise remain established options on the flanks.
“My favourite position is the ten, everyone knows that,” Saibari said. “Vinnie also told me that I can play in many positions. We rotate so much that it isn’t really that important.”
Max Eberl reveals decisive Saibari performance
Bayern had monitored Saibari for some time, but sporting CEO Max Eberl revealed that his Champions League performance against the German champions in January ultimately convinced the club to pursue him.
“That’s a player for Bayern Munich,” Eberl recalled thinking at the time. “Because he has something special. We want flexibility. Players who can play in different positions and possess different strengths.”