Where will Ismael Saibari fit in at Bayern Munich?
After winning a dominant domestic double in 2025/26, Bayern Munich have boosted their attacking options with the signing of Morocco’s FIFA World Cup 2026 star Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven. Here's how he could fit into Vincent Kompany’s plans…
Option 1: Back-up to Harry Kane
Kane played in all but three of Bayern's Bundesliga matches in 2025/26, as well as leading the line in deep runs in the UEFA Champions League and DFB Cup.
Kompany had Nicolas Jackson in his squad last term to give the England international the occasional breather, but the Senegalese forward was nowhere near as prolific, and was used sparingly.
Watch: Kane's highlight reel
With Jackson having now returned to parent club Chelsea after his loan came to an end, there would appear to be a ready-made spot on the roster for Saibari.
And with 15 league goals in 27 games, and 19 in 37 across all competitions in 2025/26, as well as some eye-catching displays for Morocco at the World Cup, Saibari clearly knows where the goal is.
Furthermore, standing at 1.85m (6'1"), he has the physique to hold the ball up and offer a physical presence in the box.
Option 2: Competition for Musiala
This is arguably the most likely scenario, given that Saibari started 21 of his 26 Eredivisie outings in attacking midfield last season, as well as four of seven in the Champions League.
And while his aforementioned goalscoring exploits are impressive, he also chipped in with nine assists across all competitions for PSV last season. Clearly, then, the 25-year-old has the vision and awareness to bring his teammates to the fore.
Not only that, but his presence will provide valuable competition for places for Jamal Musiala, who is the only other senior playmaker in the squad truly at home behind Kane. Serge Gnabry and even Michael Olise can play there, but both are more comfortable on the wings.
Watch: The best of Musiala in 2025/26
Option 3: On the wings
On the face of it, this would appear to be the least likely option, purely because of how well-stocked Bayern already are.
Olise and Luis Díaz go into the season as the undisputed starters given their incredible consistency in 2025/26, scoring 30 goals and creating a further 33 between them in the Bundesliga alone.
If either of them are ever absent, then Lennart Karl and Gnabry are highly capable back-ups, even if they are currently nursing their way back to full fitness after missing the World Cup through injury.
Nevertheless, Saibari could fill in out wide if needed. Comfortable on either flank, the natural right-footer is quick and skillful enough to beat his marker, and recorded two assists and one goal in three games as a left winger for PSV last season.
It may be difficult for Bayern to improve on last term's triumphs, but bringing in a player of Saibari’s calibre could well be the extra edge they need to get their hands on the UEFA Champions League trophy.
