Saibari’s transfer could change Musiala’s role at FC Bayern | OneFootball

With Ismael Saibari, FC Bayern has signed one of Vincent Kompany’s top targets. The new signing not only adds quality to the attacking midfield but could also change Jamal Musiala’s role.

With Ismael Saibari, FC Bayern has signed a versatile attacking player who opens up significantly more tactical options for Vincent Kompany.

The Moroccan international impressed last season at PSV Eindhoven with 28 points and recently confirmed his class at the World Cup, where he scored three goals in four appearances.

Saibari feels most at home in central midfield. Whether as a number 10, a deep-lying striker, or an attacking midfielder—the 25-year-old brings exactly the flexibility Kompany is looking for in his attacking play.

Kompany has more options in the center

The signing made sense for several reasons. With Leon Goretzka and Raphaël Guerreiro, the club has lost two players who could fill different roles in midfield. There’s also still a question mark over Noel Aseko’s future.

Saibari fills this gap while simultaneously expanding the team’s attacking options. The technically gifted right-footed player thrives in tight spaces, is resilient under pressure, and has the ability to beat opponents one-on-one even in the center—qualities that are particularly valuable against deep-defending opponents.

In addition, Saibari can also help out on the wings when needed, although his greatest strengths lie in the center.

Will Musiala benefit from Saibari?

Photo: IMAGO

The impact on Jamal Musiala will be particularly interesting. The German national team player also sees his ideal position in the attacking center, but has been successfully deployed on the left wing time and again in the past.

With Saibari, Kompany could field both types of players together more often in the future.

While Musiala would nominally come in from the left side, he would have the freedom to repeatedly cut into the half-spaces and the center—exactly where his greatest strengths lie.

Brown and Davies create new opportunities

Another factor is the left side of the defense. With Alphonso Davies and the upcoming new signing Nathaniel Brown, Bayern has two extremely dynamic left-backs who can constantly occupy the flank.

As a result, Musiala wouldn’t have to stay strictly on the line on the left wing, but could move more frequently between the lines and help shape the offensive play alongside Saibari.

Instead of taking space away from each other, the two playmakers could complement each other perfectly. With their tight ball control, creativity, and dribbling skills, they would be nearly impossible for many defensive lines to contain at the same time.

It is precisely this added flexibility that is likely one of the main reasons why Vincent Kompany placed such great importance on signing Ismael Saibari.