Revealed: Just how difficult Bayern’s negotiations with Saibari were | OneFootball

Ismael Saibari’s transfer to FC Bayern is nearing completion. Behind the scenes, however, the Munich club had to navigate complicated negotiations.

FC Bayern is set to bolster its squad with Ismael Saibari. With the Moroccan national team player reportedly having already passed his medical exam and the official announcement appearing to be merely a formality, further details about the complicated negotiations are now coming to light.

As reported by Sport BILD, talks between the Munich club and PSV Eindhoven proved extremely difficult for weeks. The two clubs were particularly far apart on the transfer fee for a long time.

According to the report, the Dutch club initially demanded more than 60 million euros for their star forward—a sum that Bayern officials, led by sporting director Max Eberl, were unwilling to accept.

Consequently, a tough game of poker unfolded between Eberl and PSV officials Marcel Brands and Earnie Stewart. It wasn’t until the past few days that progress was made in the talks.

Ironically, Saibari’s strong performance at the World Cup is said to have played a key role in this. After he scored the opening goal in Morocco’s surprising 1-1 draw against Brazil, both sides apparently made significant progress toward an agreement.

According to the report, the clubs ultimately reached a compromise. The transfer fee is said to be just under 55 million euros, including bonus payments.

Kompany played a decisive role

While negotiations with Eindhoven stalled for a long time, Saibari himself is said to have been convinced relatively early on.

According to Sport BILD, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany was the driving force behind the transfer. The Belgian is said to have first contacted Saibari right after the Champions League match between FC Bayern and PSV Eindhoven in January.

At that time, the German record champions defeated the Dutch side 2-1. Kompany apparently seized the opportunity right away to convey his appreciation to the attacking player.

Further discussions between the coach and the player are said to have taken place in the months that followed. During these talks, Kompany explained to the 25-year-old in detail what role he could play at FC Bayern in the future and why his playing style would be a perfect fit for the Munich team’s system.

Photo: IMAGO

These discussions are said to have made a big impression. According to information from Sport BILD, Saibari was convinced early on of a move to Munich, allowing Bayern to reach an agreement with the player relatively quickly.

Afterward, club officials focused entirely on negotiations with PSV.

It now appears that this hurdle has also been cleared. Saibari is said to have already undergone his medical exam at Morocco’s World Cup training camp in the U.S. Bayern’s team doctor, Dr. Jochen Hahne, conducted the examination on site.

All that’s missing now is the official confirmation. After weeks of negotiations and a tough, high-stakes bidding war, FC Bayern is on the verge of successfully completing one of Vincent Kompany’s top transfer targets.