Ismael Saibari has given Bayern Munich fresh reason to accelerate their pursuit of the PSV midfielder, after the Morocco international lit up the FIFA World Cup with a stunning opening goal against Brazil in Group C.

The German club have already tabled a reported €53 million (£45.7 million) offer for the 25-year-old, but PSV are insisting on full payment up front before sanctioning any deal. With Saibari now announcing himself on the world's biggest stage, Bayern may find the market moving against them if they delay much longer.

The goal that turned heads

Morocco went ahead in the opening match of Group C thanks to a moment of genuine class. Brahim Diaz slipped a perfectly weighted ball in behind Brazil's defensive line, and Saibari timed his run to perfection, emerging clean through on goalkeeper Alisson.

The Liverpool stopper advanced off his line, but Saibari responded with composure beyond his years — lifting the ball delicately over Alisson's head to put Morocco 1-0 ahead. The ease with which he outfoxed Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Alisson underlined exactly why Bayern have been tracking him.

That kind of finish, on a stage this grand, will not go unnoticed by other clubs. Bayern, who have been in negotiations with PSV for some time, now face the prospect of rival bidders entering the race if they continue to hold out over a reported €5 million add-on fee.

Saibari's rise to prominence

Belgian-raised Saibari joined PSV in 2020, initially coming through their youth setup before establishing himself as a first-team fixture in the 2022/23 season. Last campaign, he contributed 19 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions, playing a central role as PSV romped to the Eredivisie title.

Morocco themselves arrived at this World Cup carrying considerable weight of expectation. After their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar, the Atlas Lions entered the tournament as one of the more intriguing dark-horse candidates. A disciplined, physical display against Brazil — one of the competition's pre-tournament favourites — showed they remain a formidable force.

Brazil, meanwhile, came in under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, appointed after a turbulent qualifying campaign. The added expectation that came with such a high-profile hire appeared to work against the Seleção early on, as Morocco drew first blood.

For Bayern, the message from Saibari's performance is clear: move now or risk losing out.