Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari received a warm reception from his international teammates after completing his move to Bayern Munich, with the Atlas Lions celebrating the transfer during training ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Canada.
The celebrations came just hours after Bayern Munich officially confirmed the signing of the 25-year-old attacking midfielder from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.
With Morocco preparing for Saturday’s knockout match against Canada at Houston’s NRG Stadium, players paused their training schedule to congratulate one of the tournament’s standout performers, highlighting the strong team spirit within Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad.
Video shared on the Atlas Lions’ official social media channels showed Saibari walking through a guard of honour formed by his teammates before training began.
The Morocco players applauded the midfielder and greeted him with pats on the back while head coach Mohamed Ouahbi watched on.
The light-hearted celebrations reflected the positive atmosphere in the Moroccan camp as the team continues its preparations for another crucial World Cup fixture.
Saibari has been one of Morocco’s key players during the tournament and will remain with the national team until the conclusion of their World Cup campaign before joining his new club.
Bayern announced that the Moroccan international has signed a five-year contract running until 30 June 2031.
The move follows an outstanding season with PSV Eindhoven, where Saibari was named Eredivisie Player of the Season for the 2025-26 campaign after scoring 19 goals and providing nine assists in 37 matches.
According to the information released alongside the announcement, the transfer is worth €50 million, including bonuses, and Saibari will wear the number 34 shirt when he links up with the German champions after the World Cup.
The transfer represents another significant milestone for Moroccan football, with one of the country’s leading internationals securing a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs while competing on football’s biggest stage.
Speaking after completing the transfer, Saibari expressed his excitement about joining Bayern Munich.
“As a child, you dream of signing for a club like Bayern – everyone knows they’re one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Saibari told the club’s official website.
He also outlined his ambitions with the Bundesliga giants.
“Bayern compete for the biggest titles – including the Champions League – every season, and I want to win as many titles here as possible.”
The midfielder also credited Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany for influencing his decision.
“Bayern’s style suits me; I can play my game here and will work hard every day to help the team. Head coach Vincent Kompany played a big role in my decision – I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
While Saibari’s club future has now been settled, his immediate focus remains Morocco’s World Cup campaign.
The Atlas Lions face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday after eliminating the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The squad’s celebration of Saibari’s transfer underlined the unity within the camp as Morocco seek to continue their impressive run in North America.
