Moroccan football has secured a place for one of its talents at another European giant. Moroccan international Ismael Saibari has officially signed for Bayern Munich, leaving PSV Eindhoven after several successful seasons in the Netherlands. The lion of the Atlas has signed a five-year contract with the Bavarian club.
PSV Eindhoven announced the departure of their Moroccan midfielder on Wednesday. In their statement, the Dutch champions described it as the biggest transfer in their history. Whilst the fee has not been officially disclosed, several specialist media outlets estimate the deal to be worth around 55 million euros.
Transfer news: Saibari bids farewell to PSV
Before joining the Bundesliga, Ismael Saibari delivered an emotional message to the club that enabled him to flourish at the highest level. The Moroccan made no secret of his attachment to PSV, where he established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Dutch league.
“It’s an emotional departure. Bayern Munich is an exceptional club and I’m very happy to be continuing my career there. At the same time, I’m going to miss so many people at PSV enormously. Over the years, Eindhoven has become my home. I’ve experienced unforgettable moments there and been given extraordinary opportunities. This club has helped me become the man and the footballer I am today. I would like to extend my warmest thanks to everyone who has been by my side – from the staff to the supporters – for their unwavering support. Even though I’m leaving, you’ll certainly see me again,” said the Lion of the Atlas.
PSV pays tribute to the Moroccan international
PSV’s Director of Football Operations, Earnest Stewart, praised Ismael Saibari’s career and his development at the Dutch club.
“Ismael is a wonderful example of what talent, character and hard work can achieve. We have watched him grow from a promising young player into an indispensable figure at the very highest level. His contribution to our successes has been considerable, as has his personal development. It is never easy to say goodbye to a player who has become so important to PSV, but this transfer is fully in line with his ambitions and the journey we have built together. We are proud of Ismael and of the fact that PSV is once again sending a player to one of the world’s top clubs. We wish him every success in this new stage of his career,’’ he emphasised.
By joining Bayern Munich, Ismael Saibari is starting a new chapter in his career and underlines the growing influence of Moroccan internationals at Europe’s top clubs. This transfer is also a source of pride for Moroccan football, which continues to see its talents make their mark at the very highest level.
