Bayern Puts the Brakes on Star Signing: Eberl Provides an Update on Ismael Saibari | OneFootball

FC Bayern has set off on its Audi Summer Tour to South Korea and Hong Kong. The squad includes numerous key players and those returning from the World Cup. However, fans in Asia will have to do without one prominent summer signing: Ismael Saibari remains sidelined due to injury. Sports director Max Eberl has now explained why the record champions are deliberately not taking any risks with the Moroccan national team player.

Saibari transferred from PSV Eindhoven to Munich this summer for around 50 million euros. After a strong season in the Netherlands and impressive performances at the World Cup, the 25-year-old is expected to bolster Vincent Kompany’s offense.

However, his debut in a Bayern jersey will have to wait.

Bayern is taking a patient approach

As sporting director Max Eberl explained before the team’s departure for the Far East, the midfielder is highly motivated but is still in the midst of his rehabilitation. “Ismael is raring to go—he’d love to join the Asia tour right now—but he needs to finish his rehab in peace first,” said Eberl.

In addition to Saibari, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, and Lennart Karl are also staying in Munich to continue working individually on their returns.

Injury put the brakes on a strong World Cup run

Photo: FC Bayern

Saibari was one of the standout players for the Moroccan national team at the World Cup. In the first four tournament matches, the attacking player scored three goals, putting him in the spotlight.

However, his strong run was cut short by a thigh injury. In the Round of 16 against Canada, Saibari had to be substituted after just 22 minutes. The new signing was already sidelined for the quarterfinal against France, which Morocco lost 0–2.

FC Bayern is now taking a cautious approach to his recovery. Instead of rushing the 25-year-old into friendly matches, Saibari is to complete his rehabilitation fully and then be gradually integrated back into team training.

The club’s management wants to ensure that the Moroccan international is fully fit for the start of the regular season and can realize his potential right from the start. Despite missing the Asian tour, Saibari is still considered one of the record champion’s most important new signings for the upcoming season.