FC Bayern is spending around 50 million euros on a new star. However, Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg has his doubts about the newcomer’s role.
Ismael Saibari is one of FC Bayern’s most high-profile new signings this summer. The 25-year-old is expected to add versatility to Vincent Kompany’s offense and can play in multiple positions. But it is precisely the Moroccan’s role that is raising doubts.
Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg expressed skepticism about the new signing’s prospects on the field once Kompany has his full squad available again.
“I don’t know where he’s supposed to play when everyone is healthy,” the transfer insider explained on Sky.
In fact, the competition in Bayern’s attack is fierce. Saibari himself made no secret of which position he feels most comfortable in during his official presentation on Friday. “My favorite position is the number 10 spot—everyone knows that,” the Moroccan international explained.
However, that’s exactly where Jamal Musiala is at home. The 23-year-old is continuing to work on regaining his former form after his injury problems and is fundamentally planned to be a central figure in Bayern’s attack.
Saibari’s versatility is set to be a key asset
Saibari, however, by no means sees himself exclusively as a number 10. “But I can play in different positions—you’re always switching around during the game anyway. I can also play on the wing and a bit deeper,” the new signing emphasized.
This opens up several options for Kompany. In addition to attacking midfield, Saibari can be deployed on the wings. A role as an alternative to Harry Kane at center forward is also conceivable. At the World Cup, the 25-year-old already played up front for Morocco, scoring three goals there.
Sports Director Max Eberl made it clear during Saibari’s introduction that Munich was specifically looking for this kind of versatility. “Both signings—Nene Brown and Ismael Saibari—show that we want to prioritize flexibility: players who can play different positions and bring something new to our game that we perhaps didn’t have last season,” Eberl explained.
The Bayern boss also revealed that Saibari had been under observation for some time. His performance in a direct matchup against FC Bayern, in particular, left a lasting impression on the club’s management. After that, the Munich club intensified its efforts before the transfer was finally completed.
How will Kompany use Saibari?
However, it’s not yet entirely clear exactly which position Saibari will play under Kompany. The player himself confirmed on Friday that he hadn’t yet had a detailed discussion with the coach about it. “I haven’t talked to the coach about it in detail yet. I’ve been focusing on my injury and my comeback. We’ll certainly talk about it soon,” said Saibari.
After suffering a torn muscle fiber at the World Cup, the new signing is now back in full team training. This means the competition for playing time can now begin.
One thing is clear: Saibari is unlikely to be guaranteed a starting spot at FC Bayern. However, his versatility could be exactly the reason why he’ll see regular playing time despite the high-caliber competition.