World Cup hero Ismael Saibari (25) is 'the perfect example' for young PSV players: 'We can't sign a player like him'

Pulse Sports Team 14:56 - 04 July 2026

Following Ismael Saibari's move to Bayern Munich, PSV bids farewell to one of last season's absolute standout performers. Coach Peter Bosz, speaking to Sportnieuws.nl among others, expressed pride in the 25-year-old midfielder's transfer. "He's the perfect example of a player who shows you don't always have to leave a club at eighteen."

Ismael Saibari's transfer to Bayern Munich had been rumored for weeks, but it was officially sealed this week. The record-breaking transfer for PSV is reportedly worth over fifty million euros. "I'm proud of him and I congratulated him," Bosz commented. "He's the perfect example of a player who shows you don't always have to leave a club at eighteen. Ismael is now 25 and is taking the next step. It's great to see."

'You need to perform quickly'

Bosz also sees Saibari's transfer as an important message for young players eager to move abroad quickly. "Every step up means you essentially need to perform as quickly as possible. Bayern has the option to field someone else if you don't deliver fast enough. Ismael had time here and he proved himself. I sincerely hope he can do the same at Bayern. You need to perform quickly. Just as you need to perform quicker at PSV than at many other Dutch clubs."

Sven Mijnans on PSV's radar

Saibari's departure simultaneously represents a significant loss for PSV. The midfielder was one of the standout performers in Eindhoven last season, so the club is actively looking for reinforcements. AZ midfielder Sven Mijnans' name is increasingly being mentioned. "For those kinds of questions, you'll have to ask Earnest (Stewart, ed.), but I think Sven is a good player," was the brief response.

Looking for a different type of player than Saibari

Bosz emphasized that PSV is not looking for 'a Saibari-type player'. "We can't sign a player exactly like Saibari, but it's about quality. We want a player who possesses exceptional qualities or can develop them. I don't want us to just sign a player because we have to," concluded the 62-year-old coach, whose own future at PSV also remains uncertain.

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