Not Bayern’s first choice? Saibari is a “Kompany-style transfer” | OneFootball

Ismael Saibari’s transfer to FC Bayern is nearing completion. In the process, it is becoming increasingly clear what role Vincent Kompany now plays in personnel decisions in Munich. After all, the Moroccan was apparently not the Bayern bosses’ first choice.

The signing of Ismael Saibari is in the final stages. According to consistent media reports, talks between FC Bayern and PSV Eindhoven continue to progress positively, and an agreement is expected in the coming days.

The Munich club has already reached a full agreement with the player himself some time ago. Saibari is eager to join the German record champions and is set to sign a long-term contract through 2031.

But now, interesting details about the background of the transfer are coming to light.

Gordon was the actual target player

For a long time, Bayern focused on Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United. The England international was considered the club’s top choice for the left wing. The club’s officials were convinced by his profile, but ultimately, a transfer fell through due to financial constraints.

Newcastle made high demands, and Bayern were unwilling to pay the asking transfer fee. In addition, Gordon ultimately decided to move to FC Barcelona.

It was only after that that Saibari finally came into focus.

As Sky reports, while the PSV star had been on Munich’s extended list of candidates for some time, he wasn’t at the top of the internal scouting lists. Rather, the move is a classic case of a coach’s request.

According to the report, Vincent Kompany is a strong advocate of the transfer and has lobbied heavily internally for the signing of the Moroccan international.

The Bayern coach particularly values the 25-year-old’s versatility. Saibari can play both in central attacking midfield and on the wings, and brings exactly the dynamism that Kompany wants to add to his attacking play.

A vote of confidence for Kompany

Photo: Getty Images

This development is remarkable. In the past, Bayern often struggled to fully fulfill their coaches’ transfer requests. Under Thomas Tuchel in particular, there were repeated discussions about desired players who ultimately weren’t signed. The most prominent example was the months-long debate over signing a classic holding six, which was never fully realized.

With Saibari, the situation appears to be different. The fact that Bayern is willing to invest a transfer fee of 50 million euros for a player favored by Kompany shows just how much trust the club’s leadership now has in the Belgian.

According to Dutch media reports, Bayern has recently raised its offer to around 53 million euros. The latest talks are primarily focused on bonus payments and payment terms. However, both clubs are working toward a successful conclusion. For PSV Eindhoven, Saibari would become the most expensive sale in the club’s history.

Everything currently points to Vincent Kompany actually getting his desired player.

Even though Saibari was not originally Bayern’s first choice, club officials now see him as an ideal addition to the offense.

Should the deal be finalized in the coming days as expected, it would also send a clear signal: Kompany now wields considerable influence over FC Bayern’s squad planning—more so than many of his predecessors in recent years.