Ismael Saibari, a Moroccan international and central midfielder, is a target for numerous major European clubs because of his performances this season. English clubs interested in him include Brentford, Brighton, Aston Villa, Leeds United, West Ham, Everton, and Fulham. OM is the only French club to have shown interest. In Italy, Africafoot reports that AC Milan and Inter Milan are following the 24-year-old. In Spain, Real Betis and FC Séville are also interested in the player. Saibari is under contract with PSV until June 2029, and a departure in the winter transfer window is a possibility. However, the Dutch club is reportedly unwilling to sell him mid-season unless a very large financial offer is made. Saibari, who joined PSV in July 2022, has scored 8 goals and provided 1 assist in 11 Eredivisie appearances this season. He has 17 caps and 5 goals for Morocco. His market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €27.00m.
That’s a very interesting transfer situation — and one that highlights just how rapidly Ismael Saibari’s stock has risen.
A few key points stand out:
Performance level: Scoring 8 goals and adding 1 assist in 11 Eredivisie games from midfield is outstanding, especially for a player who wasn’t previously one of PSV’s biggest names. Those numbers, coupled with strong performances for Morocco, make him one of the most in-demand midfielders outside the top five leagues right now.
Contract security: PSV tying him down until 2029 gives them huge leverage. They don’t need to sell, so any club wanting him in January would have to make a major offer — probably in the €40–50m range or higher.
Brentford’s interest: From Brentford’s perspective, Saibari fits their model — relatively young, high upside, undervalued in a non-top-five league, and physically and technically suited to the Premier League. But it would be a big statement signing for them, possibly their record transfer if it happens.
Competition: The list of suitors (AC Milan, Inter, Betis, Villa, Brighton, etc.) shows that he’s not just a statistical outlier — scouts across Europe clearly rate him. That could make it difficult for a club like Brentford to win the race unless they move early and decisively.
Overall, I think a January move is unlikely unless one of those clubs pays far above market value. A summer 2026 or post-season 2025 move seems more realistic — giving him time to finish the season with PSV, possibly make an impact in the Champions League, and then move at peak value.
Ismael Saibari is a very good player, and one who’s improving fast.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes him stand out 👇
⚙️ Technical Ability
Excellent ball control and dribbling: He’s comfortable receiving under pressure, turning quickly, and carrying the ball through midfield — very useful against compact defenses.
Strong passing range: He can play quick one-twos in tight spaces but also switch play or find forwards with through balls.
🧠 Tactical Intelligence
Versatile: Can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even off the right in a hybrid role.
Good positioning: Often finds space between the lines, which helps PSV break opposition blocks.
💪 Physical Attributes
Powerful and athletic: Strong lower body, good balance, and acceleration. That makes him well-suited to high-intensity leagues like the Premier League.
Defensive work rate: He tracks back, presses, and wins duels — not just an attacking luxury player.
⚽ Output and Mentality
8 goals in 11 Eredivisie matches this season is elite for a midfielder.
For Morocco, he’s already becoming a key figure — which says a lot, given the talent in that squad.
Confident but not flashy; plays with maturity and focus.
Overall, Saibari combines technical skill, strength, and intelligence — a blend that makes him a modern box-to-box or attacking midfielder. If he keeps this form, he could genuinely become a top-5 league star within a year or two.
P.S.Ismael Saibari has a few lighthearted and funny stories from his career that show his personality off the pitch too 😄
Here are a couple that fans often mention:
🧢 1. The “lost hat” incident
During one PSV training session in 2023, Saibari showed up wearing a bright red cap — and kept it on through the warm-up. Teammates started teasing him that it was his “lucky charm.” At one point, Joey Veerman playfully snatched it mid-drill, and the whole team burst out laughing as Saibari chased him across the pitch trying to get it back. PSV’s media team even caught it on camera, and the clip briefly went viral among PSV fans with the caption “Never touch Saibari’s hat.”
😂 2. His “grandma’s food” celebration
After scoring an important goal for Morocco’s U23 side, Saibari made a funny gesture toward the bench that fans later learned was dedicated to his grandmother. In an interview, he said:
“I told my grandma I’d score if she cooked couscous for me before the match — she did, so I had to keep my promise!”
It became a small meme among Moroccan fans, who started joking that “couscous gives Saibari powers.”
🎮 3. The FIFA prank
At PSV, Saibari is known as one of the biggest FIFA (EA FC) players in the squad. Once, a teammate secretly changed his in-game stats to make him slower and clumsier — Saibari didn’t realize it until halftime in a match they were playing together online and started shouting, “Why is my player running like that?!” The video apparently circulated in the team’s private WhatsApp group for weeks.
He seems like a really grounded, funny guy — confident on the field, but easygoing and loved in the dressing room.
