Manchester United failed in a late attempt to hijack Bayern Munich’s move to sign Ismael Saibari, according to a new report.
The Moroccan magician
Saibari is a versatile attacker, capable of playing across the frontline or as a No.10, thanks to his high level of technical ability and strong work rate both in and out of possession.
The 25 year old wizard has just won his third consecutive Eredivisie title with PSV Eindhoven, contributing 15 goals and five assists in 27 appearances last season.
Saibari is currently at the World Cup, representing Morocco alongside United full back Noussair Mazraoui and wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has many admirers at Old Trafford.
He has already made an impact in the curtain raiser against Brazil, scoring with a superb chipped finish over an unsuspecting Alisson. However, Vinicius Jr’s equally impressive strike salvaged a point, despite the Atlas Lions firmly outplaying Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Bayern moved quickly
With the prospect of a strong showing in North America likely to boost PSV’s negotiating position, it is little wonder Bayern Munich moved quickly to strike a deal before the tournament kicked off.
The German giants agreed a fee “in excess of £45 million”, according to talkSPORT, with Saibari having already agreed to a five year contract at the Allianz Arena.
United’s late attempt
There was significant interest in the Moroccan from the Red Devils, with TEAMtalk revealing INEOS made “recent enquiries” to gauge whether a deal was still possible.
United are understood to be on the hunt for a versatile attacker in addition to a midfield revamp to bolster Michael Carrick’s squad ahead of a return to the Champions League next season.
Saibari’s versatility would have allowed sporting director Jason Wilcox to address two needs at once in this pursuit. However, well placed sources close to the Moroccan’s camp indicated an immediate response was delivered confirming an “agreement with Bayern is already in place.”
A familiar story
This marks the second target the Bundesliga champions have beaten United to, after a similar arrangement was reached with Nathaniel Brown, despite the Eintracht Frankfurt full back being open to a move to Old Trafford.
The 22 year old speedster has enjoyed a superb start to life at the World Cup, scoring and assisting one apiece in Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Curacao, which came just a week after he had agreed personal terms to join Bayern.
The bottom line
United are improving. Third place. Champions League football. A brighter future.
But they are not yet at Bayern’s level in the transfer market. The German giants are moving quickly, decisively, and securing their targets before the tournament even starts.
Saibari is heading to Munich. Brown is heading to Munich. United are left wondering what might have been.
The rebuild continues. But for now, Bayern are winning the transfer battles. And United are playing catch up.
