With Jamal Musiala’s return to action still being handled carefully, it was inevitable that questions would arise about whether Bayern Munich’s decision to sign Ismael Saibari was influenced by the situation surrounding their star attacker.
Before Bayern Munich’s game, former club star Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is doing television work for Das Erste, put that question directly to board member for sport Max Eberl. Eberl made it clear that Saibari was not a reaction to Musiala’s condition, but rather
part of a transfer plan that was already in place following Nicolas Jackson’s departure.
“We lost Nicolas Jackson because his loan spell came to an end. So it was clear to us that we wanted to bring in an attacking player, regardless of Jamal. That had always been the plan. We first tried for Anthony Gordon, but at some point he became too expensive for us. Then we had Ismael as a top candidate, and we said that he is a bit different from Gordon. He can play not only on the wings but in four different positions across the front line. We then felt that he could be a really good fit. We are very, very happy that the deal was already completed before the Brazil game,” Eberl said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
That versatility may ultimately prove to be one of Saibari’s biggest strengths. He gives Vincent Kompany another option across the attacking line, while allowing Bayern Munich to add depth without requiring a direct replacement for Musiala.
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