Villarreal in the race for signing Ismael Saibari

The young midfielder, an international with Morocco, is one of Marcelino's main desires.

Javier Parra Peña | 1 Nov 2025 | 12.00
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Villarreal in the race for the signing of Ismael Saibari
Villarreal in the race for the signing of Ismael Saibari

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Pafos FC Villarreal
05/11/25 18:45:00
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Villarreal has begun planning its moves for the upcoming transfer market, and one of the names gaining traction in the club's offices is Moroccan Ismael Saibari.

The midfielder from PSV Eindhoven has established himself as one of the most versatile players in the Eredivisie and has attracted the interest of several European clubs, including the Yellow Submarine, which aims to revamp its midfield with young talent and international potential.

Villarreal closely monitoring Ismael Saibari

Villarreal believes Ismael Saibari fits the profile of the type of player the club wants to strengthen its midfield: a dynamic midfielder with attacking prowess and the ability to break lines. At 24 years old, the Moroccan international has shown tactical maturity and steady growth at PSV, where he has played eight matches this season and scored a goal.

His contract with the Dutch club runs until June 2029, and his market value, estimated at 27 million euros, reflects his importance to PSV's project. Villarreal knows negotiations won't be straightforward but also understands that it can position itself strongly by freeing up salary space and generating income from future sales.

Ismael Saibari coveted by several European clubs

Ismael Saibari's good form has not gone unnoticed in the European scene. In addition to Villarreal, teams like Atalanta, Sevilla, Real Betis, Brighton, Brentford, and Olympique de Marseille are closely monitoring his progress. Some of these clubs are reportedly preparing offers for the next summer, sparking a potential bidding war for his signature.

In Italy, Atalanta sees him as an option to bolster their midfield structure in case of departures. In Spain, Villarreal, Sevilla, and Betis view him as a blend of present and future, while in the Premier League, Brighton and Brentford appreciate his technical and physical qualities. The competition will be intense, but Villarreal's sporting project could work in its favor, offering playing time, stability, and participation in European competitions.

Saibari's profile aligns with Villarreal's philosophy

At Villarreal, the interest in Ismael Saibari stems from a clear strategy: reinforce young talent with players who possess a mix of technique, tactical discipline, and competitive mentality. Saibari, with 17 international caps for Morocco and 5 goals, meets all these requirements.

His versatility is also key. He can operate as an attacking midfielder, playmaker, or even winger, providing Marcelino García Toral with several tactical options. The Moroccan player is renowned for his pressing aggressiveness and ability to link up with forwards, traits that fit seamlessly with the club's philosophy.

Villarreal gearing up for the next transfer market

With an annual salary just above one million euros, Ismael Saibari represents an enticing opportunity for Villarreal, which sees him as a cost-effective and high-performance reinforcement. The challenge will be convincing PSV Eindhoven, who are not keen on letting him go easily.

In the meantime, the Yellow Submarine will continue assessing its market options and prioritizing signings that can elevate the team's competitive level. If Saibari's acquisition materializes, Villarreal would add not only a present-day player but also a figure with the potential to lead its midfield in the coming years.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Villarreal en la puja por el fichaje de Ismael Saibari