United’s failed hijack of CL juggernaut’s big-money move for 25-yo World Cup magician exposed – report

Manchester United failed in a late attempt to hijack Bayern Munich’s move to sign Ismael Saibari, according to a new report. 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 Jnr’s equally impressive strike salvaged a point, despite the Atlas Lions firmly outplaying Carlo Ancelotti’s side. 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 last week. 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 attempt late hijack 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.” 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 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. Final Thoughts While United’s standing on the European stage is improving after a third-place finish in the Premier League and qualification for the continent’s elite competition, the Mancunian club still has some way to go before it can rival the world’s elite clubs in the transfer market. Featured image Dan Mullan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.