Ismael Saibari (foto: Getty Images)
Ismael Saibari enhanced his growing reputation with a brilliant display against Brazil, while Bayern Munich moves closer to completing one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Ismael Saibari arrived at the World Cup as one of Morocco's key players. After his performance against Brazil, the rest of the football world now understands why Bayern Munich are prepared to invest heavily in him.
The PSV Eindhoven star was one of the standout performers in Morocco's impressive 1-1 draw against the five-time world champions.
His moment of brilliance came in the 21st minute.
After receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Brahim Diaz, Saibari controlled the ball superbly, slipped between Gabriel and Marquinhos, and calmly lifted his finish beyond Alisson to give Morocco the lead.
It was a goal worthy of the biggest stage.
More importantly, it was only one part of an outstanding all-round display.
Throughout the match, Saibari consistently troubled Brazil's midfield and defence. He carried the ball with confidence, linked attacks effectively and repeatedly won individual duels against some of the world's most accomplished players.
For Bayern's recruitment team, the performance served as further confirmation of a deal that is reportedly already close to completion.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Bayern have already made significant progress in negotiations with PSV, while personal terms with the player are understood to have been agreed before the World Cup began.
New Bayern coach Vincent Kompany is believed to have played a major role in convincing the Moroccan international to choose the Bundesliga champions as the next step in his career.
The Belgian manager reportedly held direct conversations with the player and outlined his plans for him in Munich.
There is even speculation that the final stages of the transfer could be completed during the World Cup itself.
Reports suggest Saibari could undergo a medical examination in the United States while remaining with the Moroccan national team.
If completed, the transfer would represent a historic deal for PSV.
Figures between €45 million and €53 million, including bonuses, have been widely discussed. Such a fee would rank among the largest sales in the Dutch club's history.
The numbers reflect the remarkable progress Saibari has made in recent seasons.
Born in Spain but representing Morocco internationally, the 25-year-old enjoyed an outstanding campaign with PSV, scoring 15 goals and contributing eight assists as the club secured the Eredivisie title.
Now he appears ready for an even bigger stage.
The World Cup has already provided him with a global audience. His display against Brazil showed exactly why Bayern believe he has the quality to become one of the Bundesliga's next star midfielders.
If negotiations proceed as expected, Morocco's World Cup camp could soon become the setting for one of the summer's most significant transfer announcements.